LA PETITE SOEUR
Kumu 2024
Loire, France
The grapes here come from the organic vineyards of Les Vignes Herbel in Anjou, and this lively rosé of sorts is made from an infusion of whole bunches of Pineau d’Aunis in the direct press of Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. After pressing, the wine had a short rest in cuve and was bottled young, brimming with energy. A gorgeous pale sunset in the glass, it is all pink peppercorn, blood orange and bitters, making for a rosé that is truly one of a kind.
Pineau d’Aunis, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc
ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Originally from Brittany, Adrien de Mello travelled the world following a love of wine before settling in Anjou in 2015. He now farms four hectares of vineyards planted over schist in and around the village of Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné.
The vines have been farmed organically for some time, but since settling here Adrien has taken things to the next level and in just a few years has gained both organic and biodynamic certification. He ploughs by horse and is passionate about foraging wild plants such as nettle, comfrey, yarrow and buckthorn to prepare teas to be used in the vineyards. His care and attention to detail here produce wines with great clarity and a startling purity of fruit.
In the cellar Adrien’s work is defined by a lightness of touch that is characterised by gentle extractions to reveal just enough detail and nuance from the grapes, and a focus on expressing the perfume of each variety whilst harnessing the incredible character that schist brings.
Fresh, fragrant and invigorating, Adrien’s wines offer a highly original expression of the part of Anjou he calls home.
Photo: Varda Wine