Le Sot de l'Ange Pinot Noir 2016

Quentin and Angélique Bourse produce this Pinot Noir from their estate in Azay-le-Rideau, a village in the Touraine sub-region of the Loire Valley. The vines grow in clay over silica soils with exposed silex stones, over a Tuffeau limestone bedrock that regulates water and mineral supply. The estate is certified biodynamic under Demeter and AB France, with copper sulfur use limited to 500 grams per year.

The wine is made entirely without added sulfur. After hand-harvesting in multiple passes and four rounds of sorting, the grapes undergo a ten-day maceration without carbonic technique, followed by élevage in tronconic vats. Indigenous yeasts are used throughout fermentation. The result is a Vin de France-labeled Pinot Noir that carries the cool-climate mineral character of the Loire rather than the richness of Burgundy.

In the glass, the wine shows a pale ruby with bright red fruit, earthy undertones, and a lively, food-friendly acidity. Tannins are fine-grained and supple. At 12% ABV, it is light on its feet and easy to drink young, though the clay-silex terroir adds enough structure for a few years of cellaring.