Le Sot de L'ange - Karadras VDF 2018 750ml (11-14% ABV)

note: this very cool wine comes in a variety of different labels! Your bottle will likely not match the image posted.

Show me a fanatic and I’ll show you a success. Truer words could not be said about Quentin Bourse – the “Idiot Angel” of Azay-Le-Rideau. While this is the rough translation of the name of his label, Le Sot de L’Ange, he is a far cry from anything remotely resembling an idiot. Before taking over a friend’s estate just in time for the 2013 vintage, Quentin worked in various fields (wine related and not) including numerous internships in the surrounding area, with both natural and conventional producers, notably a six-month stage at the famed Vouvray producer, Domaine Huet. These experiences have shaped his winemaking philosophy; his relentless work ethic, innovation, and borderline obsessive perfectionism result in meticulously crafted, serious wines.

 Very classic in profile, a bit of color from the Malbec, herbaceous notes from the Cab Franc. Dusty dark plums, cocoa, red bell pepper, anise, violets, and sturdy structure. Medium bodied with a very mineral-driven core.

 region: Touraine, Loire Valley, france

varietals: cabernet franc, côt (malbec) & grolleau 

style: mineral driven red

farming & cellar: certified biodynamic, clay over silica, manual destemming in a wicker basket, fermented in truncated wooden tank, No SO2 added

pairing: brisket or beef stew, will pair nicely with heartier meals and steaks