Domaine Dhommé 'Les Cottereaux' Pineau d'Aunis, Loire Valley, France 2024

A historic family domaine in Anjou, Domaine Dhommé works with traditional Loire varieties and low-intervention practices to highlight purity, freshness, and delicate spice — especially in Pineau d’Aunis, one of the region’s most distinctive and expressive grapes. 'Les Cottereaux' showcases the domaine’s understated, terroir-driven style with lifted aromatics and fine, pepper-laced charm.

• WINEMAKER: Stéphane & Vincent Dhommé

• FARMING: Organic (practicing)

• VARIETY: 100% Pineau d’Aunis

• TERROIR: Anjou sites with schist and clay-limestone soils; cool Loire climate providing slow ripening and aromatic complexity; low-yielding old vines contributing concentration and nuance.

• VINIFICATION: Native yeast fermentation; gentle extraction to preserve delicate aromatics and fine tannin; partial whole-cluster (unspecified).

• AGING: Neutral vessels to maintain freshness and transparency of fruit and spice.

• TASTING NOTES: Bright red currant and wild strawberry layered with white pepper, rose petal, and earthy spice; light-to-medium-bodied with vivid acidity, soft tannins, and a savory, mineral finish.

• FOOD PAIRINGS: Charcuterie, roast chicken with herbs, mushroom fricassee, chèvre, peppery greens (arugula, mustard leaves).