Domaine de la Chevalerie ‘Bulle de Fort’ Pet-Nat Rosé, Bourgueil, Loire Valley, France 2022

The Caslot family has farmed vines in Bourgueil since 1640, making Domaine de la Chevalerie one of the region’s most historic estates. Today, the younger generation stewards the domaine with progressive biodynamic practices (Demeter-certified since 2012) and a focus on transparency of terroir. Celebrated by sommeliers and writers alike, Chevalerie has become one of the great hopes of Bourgueil, producing classically styled yet vividly expressive Cabernet Franc wines.

• WINEMAKERS: Emmanuel & Laurie Caslot

• FARMING: Certified Organic & Biodynamic (Demeter since 2012)

• VARIETY: 100% Cabernet Franc

• TERROIR: Upper end of Bourgueil’s long terrace, gently sloping toward the Loire River; clay-sandy soils over limestone.

• VINIFICATION: Hand-harvested grapes. Fermentation with native yeasts, no additions. Élevage split 50/50 between neutral 500L demi-muids and 220L ceramic eggs before bottling en tirage. Produced by méthode ancestrale, with no sugar or yeast additions. First disgorgement at 15 months.

• AGING: Ancestral sparkling method; bottle-aged sur lattes before disgorgement.

• TASTING NOTES: Deep cherry-red in color. A vibrant, lightly sparkling Cabernet Franc with aromas of red berries, herbs, and spice. Juicy and savory on the palate with refreshing acidity and mineral drive, carried by fine, delicate bubbles.

• FOOD PAIRINGS: Charcuterie, pâté, roasted poultry, Loire goat cheeses, or tinned anchovies with herbs.

• PRODUCTION: 1,200 bottles