Cabernet Franc AOC 2021

In 2006, Anne Claude and her husband Christian met the owners of the Clau de Nell vineyard. The domain in Ambillou-Château on the Loire had great potential with clay, flint and tufa soils and magnificent old vines with an average age of 60 years, some even over a hundred years old. The eight hectares of the domaine were planted with Cabernet Franc, Grolleau and Cabernet Sauvignon. The domaine was bought by Leflaives in 2008 and the vineyards were gradually expanded. Cellar master Sylvain Potin cultivates the estate according to biodynamic guidelines. All three of Anne-Claude Leflaives' children work on the estate.

Cabernet Franc, the emblematic variety of the Loire, occupies five hectares of the estate. Grown on a silty-clayey terroir consisting of gravel

and red flint on tufa, the vines are on average 45 to 55 years old.

The vines are treated with biodynamic preparations according to the lunar calendar and the yield is approx. 40hl/ha. Hand-picked, destemmed and macerated for 30 days with gentle submersion of the cap, the must is then fermented spontaneously in 228 litre Burgundy barrels.

Dark, almost opaque ruby red colour with a black core.

Blackberries, black cherries and ripe red pointed peppers are accompanied by black pepper and sorrel. The nose is emblematic of the great class of the pure Loire Cabernet francs of this world and is a blueprint for every blind tasting or test situation. Wildly spicy with notes of dried beef jerky, mild spicy notes and dried cherries turn the wheel into a circle, the fruit as a quiet drive with great intensity without tipping over into bolide.

The 2021 Cabernet Franc from Clau de Nell flows tightly over the palate with a sinewy body and striking extract. The dark fruit is coated in silky, firm tannins that contour it at the edge of the tongue. Transparent with a cool acidity, it is animating on the palate with ruby-coloured, sparkling fruit and a cool, mineral finish.