Violette AOC 2021

Wine Description for Violette AOC 2021 by Clau de Nell

Colour & Appearance

Deep ruby red with luminous violet reflections, which give the wine its name. In the glass, it displays brilliant clarity with medium intensity.

Nose

An aromatic chameleon: The top notes reveal namesake violets and hollyhocks, underpinned by concentrated dark fruit – blackberries, mulberries, black cherries. Beneath this unfolds the typical Cabernet Franc spice: rose paprika, Pimientos de Padrón, black pepper and a hint of cardamom. With air, rosehip and dark tobacco develop. Definitely decant or pour generously!

Palate

The estate’s most powerful red wine presents itself paradoxically with transparent freshness and shimmering aromatics. The tannins are present but elegantly woven into the airy structure. Ethereal fruit meets balsamic spice notes. Muscular, yet without breadth – more Iggy Pop than Bruce Springsteen. The biodynamic viticulture and old vine material (45-70 years) lend the wine remarkable depth whilst maintaining lightness of foot.

Finish

Persistent with fine peppery spice and floral notes that fade elegantly. The freshness lingers to the very end.

Terroir & Origin

From the biodynamically farmed Domaine Clau de Nell in Ambillou-Château on the Loire. The vines are rooted in silty-clayey terroir with pebbles, red flint and tuff – a soil that imparts minerality and complexity. Taken over by the Leflaive family in 2008, today all three of Anne-Claude Leflaive’s children work on the estate.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Cuvée of 66.66% Cabernet Franc (45-55 year old vines) and 33.33% Cabernet Sauvignon (approximately 70 years old). Hand-harvested, 30-day maceration, spontaneous fermentation in 228-litre Burgundy barrels, 12 months ageing. Bottled according to the lunar calendar on a fruit day. Yields deliberately kept low (35-45 hl/ha).

Food Pairing Suggestions

Hot-smoked mackerel on beetroot carpaccio, quail with red chard, red cabbage salad with orange dressing, but also with grilled lamb or duck breast with root vegetables.

Special Features

Consistently biodynamic viticulture following the lunar calendar. The advanced age of the vines and the meticulous cellar work of Sylvain Potin create a wine of remarkable elegance despite its power – très charmant!