Béatrice & Pascal Lambert 'Les Terrasses' Chinon AOC 2021

Vignerons since 1987, the Lambert family transitioned to organic farming practices in the early 2000s and gained organic certification by Ecocert in 2005. However, Béatrice and Pascal decided this was not enough and began transitioning to biodynamic production. Emulating many of their neighbors in the Loire, they adhered to the dogma of Nicolas Joly, using plant foliage between rows and adding no sulfur to their wines. "Les Terrasses" comes from cabernet franc vines planted on gravelly calcareous clay soils atop the region's famed tuffeau (chalky limestone). Harvested by hand, the grapes macerate for 14 days in concrete vats before aging for up to 12 months, also in concrete. A wild, musky nose of berries, roasted red pepper, and crushed herbs evolves into dense ripe red fruits on the palate. This delightful cab franc embodies what great Chinon can be, with no oak and no added sulfites during winemaking (only a minimal addition at bottling). Displaying bright, clean fruit and classic Loire minerality, this would be perfect with a plate of sausage, mushrooms, and potatoes, or with pork chops or quinoa-stuffed peppers. Certified organic, certified biodynamic, low intervention.