Fillitreau Saumur 'La Grande Vignolle' 2023

Filliatreau Saumur-Champigny “La Grand Vignolle” 2023 - Loire Valley, France
$29    Soul Wine Price $24.65

Paul Filliatreau was just 24 when he took over his father’s estate in 1967. At the time much of  Saumur was farmland and there were few serious wine makers and the wines were virtually unknown outside of the region but Paul saw opportunity. He quit making the rosé his father made, which he will tell you was “horrible,” and concentrated on quality reds. He also began expanding the estate, slowly buying up parcels based on their diversity. (Today the estate stands at 45ha.) Perhaps Paul's greatest achievements are in doggedly promoting the wines of Saumur and in helping pioneer organic and biodynamic viticulture in the region. Today Saumur, and Loire Valley wines in general, are ubiquitous in France’s bistros and restaurants and easily found throughout the world. In 1995 Paul began the long arduous process of converting all his vineyards to organic believing that healthy soils result in better wine in the end. More recently he began the even more difficult job of converting to biodynamic practices. He happily shares the expertise he has gained over the years with his fellow vignerons and has helped many convert.

La Grand Vignolle, one of Filliatreau’s best sites, is a 6ha vineyard with a high concentration of limestone and 45+ year old vines. The grapes are hand harvested, destemmed and fermentation with native yeasts lasts around 15 days in stainless steel, temperature controlled  vats to preserve freshness and fruitiness. The wine is then aged for 10 months, again in stainless, before bottling without filtration and minimal sulfur. There is a great balance of juicy and savory to this wine with loads of fresh dark fruit but also an earthy, herbaceous side, all brought together with fine tannins and acid. Serve with steaks, or most anything else, off the grill, mushroom dishes or seared venison tenderloin. (Anders)