2020 Les Athlètes du Vin Touraine Pinot Noir

Responsibly Farmed
Hidden Gem
Geeky

When we say this is a “Tuesday night” wine, what we really mean is that this bottle is perfect for popping and sipping on the fly any day of the week. It’s lively, fresh, and noted with a subtle earthiness. Best served slightly chilled.

Sustainable farming practices, native yeast fermentation, minimal sulfur added and only 5,000 cases produced.

Red
  • Tasting Notes cranberry, strawberry, plum, fig, red apple, dried rose, aromatic
  • Variety Pinot Noir
  • Region France, Loire Valley
  • Volume 750ml
  • Alcohol Volume 13%
  • Table Talk This label was drawn by French artist & illustrator Michel Tolmer, who has been the unofficial lead artist of the French natural wine movement since the 1990s.

Les Athlètes du Vin is a négociant project based in the heart of the Loire Valley. The group is made up of some of the region’s most dynamic and respected winemakers, including Thierry Germain, Pierre Breton, and Mathieu Vallée of Château Yvonne. The principle of the Vini Be Good “Les Athletes du vin” range is to offer you fair trade from farmers. The selection of grapes or juices is provided by the Vini Be Good group. The wines are vinified and/or matured by the winegrowers of the Vini Be Good group who are themselves champions in all categories of lifting the elbow.

Winemaking is done with minimal intervention, native yeasts, and minimal sulfur, with light or no filtration implemented (depending on the cuvée). Les Athlètes du Vin strives to make delicious and authentic wines that are both responsibly produced and affordable.

PINOT NOIR
This elusive and delicate light-bodied grape is a winegrowers dream, but can be difficult to achieve. Stubborn, yet flirtatious, Pinot Noir is tantalizing creating a beautiful dance between the grape and the winemaker. The resulting light red wine can be nothing short of spectacular. Loved for its red fruit and spicy characteristics, its also a great food partner. Look for notable regions including Burgundy, France, Central Coast or Sonoma in CA, Willamette Valley in Oregon, and Pfalz or Baden in Germany as well as many other regions around the world in New Zealand, Australia, Chile, and Argentina.

THE LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE
The Loire is actually the largest river in France and the Loire Valley is a large region that follows as it flows towards the Atlantic. Another cooler climate region in France, the Loire Valley produces many exciting and exceptional red, rosé, and white wines in a variety of styles. Lean and lively white varieties like Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadet (Melon de Bourgogne or Melon Blanc) dominate in many sub-regions here including Anjou-Saumur, Touraine, and the Upper Loire (Centre). Rustic reds like Cabernet Franc, Gamay, and Côt (Malbec) are also grown in smaller areas. Some of the most infamous for Cabernet Franc are that of Bourgueil and Chinon located in the Touraine (Middle Loire). The Loire Valley is also known to produce quality sparkling wines from grape varieties including Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc (for rosé). You’ll often find these wines to be tart with fresh fruit flavors and labelled as Crémant de Loire.