Patrice Colin - Rouge 2021

Bright and easy drinking - a great value light red from the northern Loire.

Light, crunchy, and red fruited. Perfumed with white florals, red fruits, wild herbs, and white pepper. The palate is silky yet structured and balanced. Notes of cranberry, red cherry, and slight red berries and currants, along with notes of candied cherry, wild herbs, white pepper, and the barest hint of spice. Peppery on the finish.

It's made from a blend of three grapes: Pineau d'Aunis, (which is kind of) the Loire's lesser known version but cooler, edgier version of Pinot Noir; Gamay, best known for making Beaujolais; and Pinot Noir.

ABOUT PATRICE COLIN

Patrice Colin's domaine is a 27 hectare site, located in the Coteaux du Vendômois  in Touraine, along the Loire Valley. The domaine has a number of varieties - including Pineau d'Aunis (with vines from the 1890s), Chenin (with vines from the 1940s), Gamay, Cavernet Franc, and Chardonnay - combined with its terroir of clay with flint soils, results pure and balanced varietal expressions.

In recent years, 30% of the youngest vines were pulled out and removed as part of a vineyard restructuring. The farming and vinification are certificated organic, with 150 varieties of plants in the vineyard to encourage biodiversity, soil tilling for oxygenation, and green harvests.

Patrice Colin is a a shy but impeccable winemaker, letting his wine do the talking for him. Working with wild yeasts, a masterful control of temperature, and well integrated oak, Patrice's wines are great value for money with delicate expressions and long aging potential. While not very well known, Patrice's wines have received accolades from French wine publications and has gained him a cult following within the world of French natural wine.