Frantz Saumon 'Saumon Dans la Loire' 2022

As a former forester (both in France and Canada), Frantz Saumon knows how important it is to think holistically about ecosystems. From the start of his career as a winemaker over twenty years ago, he has prioritized organic and biodynamic farming methods and natural winemaking processes. He uses only indigenous yeasts, makes all of his sparkling wines as pétillant naturel (pet-nat), and uses minimal amounts of sulfur. Frantz’s domaine plantings in Montlouis-sur-Loire are almost entirely focused on chenin blanc, but here he showcases some under-the-radar grapes traditional to the Loire. ‘Un Saumon Dans la Loire’ puts the spotlight on menu pineau and romorantin (a grape not seen much outside Cour-Cheverny). The result is a melange of bold yellow fruit including golden apple, quince, and grapefruit, with a pithy apple skin texture all supported by a razor sharp mineral core. Certified organic, biodynamically grown, low-intervention/natural wine.