Francois Cazin Romorantin Cour-Cheverny

King François I mandated the planting of Romorantin vines near his chateau in 1519. Today, this obscure white grape exists almost entirely within the boundaries of the tiny Cour-Cheverny appellation. François Cazin stands as the benchmark producer for this idiosyncratic varietal. He farms old vines planted as far back as 1928 on clay-limestone soils. The stark profile demands strict attention. Fermentation occurs naturally with indigenous yeasts in aging concrete and neutral oak vats. The process presents a bare, structural interpretation of the grape.

It’s a stark reflection of traditional Loire Valley winemaking. High, piercing acidity defines the structural backbone. A distinct, slightly viscous texture builds mid-palate, contradicting the initial aromatic austerity. Time in the bottle profoundly transforms the liquid, shifting its nervous energy into complex layers of bruised orchard fruit, bitter almond, and crushed stone.