Domaine Catherine et Pierre Breton 'Trinch!' Bourgueil AOC 2021

“TRINCH, abreuvez ­vous aux sources de la connaissance. Connaître pour aimer, c'est le secret de la vie.” — Rabelais [Drink your fill at the fountains of knowledge. To know, in order to love, is the secret of life.]

What was true for Rabelais in the sixteenth century is still true, or so suggest winemakers Catherine and Pierre Breton. Wine as a metaphor for knowledge, yes, but also wine as itself as a fountain of knowledge—about place and technique. (Rabelais, after all, was originally from Chinon, just across the Loire from where this wine comes from in Bourgueil.) Farming biodynamically since 1994, the Bretons are models of how to grow and make wine naturally in Loire Valley. With a focus on cabernet franc and chenin blanc, they make a series of village and single-vineyard cuvées from Bourgueil, Chinon, and Vouvray. This ‘Trinch!’ comes from younger cabernet franc vines and ferments in stainless steel. Its bright fruit, earthy interest, and subtle tannins would make it easy to drink on its own or with a steak salad. Cranberry and cherry on the nose complement a forest floor, red berry palate with a hint of smoke. Certified Organic, Certified Biodynamic, Low-Intervention/Natural Wine.