2024 Les Sablonnettes Les Copains d'Abord Grolleau - Loire Valley, France (750ml)

In 1982, Christine and Joël Ménard took over Joël’s family's vineyards, converting to organic in 1996 and biodynamic in 2007. They make wine on their own terms, declassifying everything as Vin de France so they have total freedom to do what they want, unencumbered by the restrictions of the Appellation Contrôlée system. Grown on 50 year old vines planted on schist soils and farmed biodynamically, Copains d’Abord is a blend of 80% Grolleau and 20% Gamay. Harvested and sorted by hand, whole clusters macerate for four weeks in resin-lined concrete vessels where they ferment spontaneously and rest an additional six months before bottling with minimal sulfur. The result is a light, funky low-tannin wine with tart brambly berries, dusty, flinty earth notes and a hint of smoke. Pairs perfectly with tartes salées, fromage d’Affinois, or a fig glazed pork tenderloin.