Domaine du Bel Air Bourgueil AOC 2019

Since 1979, Pierre Gauthier has farmed 18 hectares in the village of Benais—the heart of the Bourgueil AOC. Considered a master of cabernet franc, with the help of his wife, Catherine, and their son, Rodolphe, who joined the domaine in 2005, they do all of the vineyard work by hand and have been certified organic since 2000. As immaculate in their cellar work as they are amidst their 40 year old cabernet franc vines, they hand harvest and de-stem 100% of their grapes and employ native yeasts for long fermentations of up to 3 weeks. A touch lighter in body than some cab francs, the aromas really shine here, as a profusion of ripe raspberry, anise, rosemary, and slate come bursting out of the bouquet along with a streak of that classic green bell pepper. The clay soils of Benais peek through as texture on the palate, while refreshing acidity keeps everything lively. Certified organic, low-intervention/natural wine, vegan.