From: Fiefs Vendéens, Loire Valley, France
Blend: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Gamay, Negrette
Taste: This wine is fresh and juicy, with lots of cherry and raspberry fruit flavors, underscored by blackcurrant, fun floral notes, and a subtle earthiness that reminds one of a maritime forest near cool, sandy beaches; its scent influenced by the sea. Silky tannins and those fresh fruit aromas and flavors will pop with a slight chill. This wine is worth a try for those who dislike green or vegetal aromas/flavors in the glass that come from grapes like Cabernet Franc. The Cabernet Franc cools the nose and palate in this charming field blend but elegantly dances around being "green."
"One of my go-to reds from the region, and it’s not just the adorable little owl on the label that makes it special for me. With its great acidity and texture and floral aromas, this is the perfect red to put a little chill on and enjoy with all kinds of foods!" - Kevin Maybry, K&L Wines French Regional Wine Buyer
Pairing: Roasted vegetables, cured meats, bbq, lighter meat dishes, risotto, rillette. For a fun, easy to share pairing, try this recipe for Three Sisters Bean Patties with Raspberry Aioli . Recipe by Ethan Tyo and adapted by Kevin Noble Maillard.
About. Before entering the wine trade in the late 19th century in Sables d’Olonne, the Mourat family were salt makers on the Ile de Ré. In 1974, Jean Mourat founded Vignobles Mourat when he purchased Château Marie de Fou in Mareuil. Jean's son, Jérémie, took over J. Mourat in 2000, and has been working diligently to raise the profile of his region, the Fiefs Vendéens. Fiefs Vendéens is the westernmost region of the Loire Valley, only 20 km from the Atlantic Ocean and an hour south of Nantes. Because of its proximity to the ocean, the Atlantic is the dominant climactic influence, providing for cold, wet winters, cool and cloudy spring, and warm, humid, sunny summers. J. Mourat's vineyards are located on hillsides overlooking the Lay Valley grown on volcanic and schist soils. Since taking over in 2000, Jérémie has converted to organic farming and working naturally in the cellar while championing the traditions of this ancient winemaking region.
The J. Mourat Rouge Collection is a blend of equal parts Pinot Noir, Gamay and Cabernet Franc from vines aged 15 to over 30 years old. After harvest, the fruit is destemmed, then crushed and fermented with 8 days of pump-overs in stainless steel.
