Grolleau Noir 2022

An heirloom variety from the Loire, Grolleau was ripped out over the last century in favor of Bordeaux-bred moneymakers like Cabernet Sauvignon. But it has been revived in recent decades by néo-vignerons like Guillaume Noire, who embrace Grolleau's potential to make delicious lower-alcohol reds with fresh acidity. A ripe ’22 harvest pushed this wine more toward plush notes of dark, deep fruit than is typical. Excellent for barbecues, we say. Long live Grolleau! 

Region: Loire (Anjou)
Grapes: 100% Grolleau Noir 
Alc : 12,5 %
Production : 200 cases

About the winemaker: The Anjou region of the Loire likely has France's highest concentration of neo-vignerons, winemakers who turned to grape-growing as a second career. Guillaume Noire is no exception, having left Paris behind a decade ago for Rablay-sur-Layon, a small village that’s home to a group of cult producers making excellent micro-production Chenin Blanc and crushable reds.