Place: Saumur-Champigny — Loire Valley, France

Variety: Cabernet Franc

Farming: Biodynamic

The Hardouin family has farmed vineyards in the Loire’s appellations of Saumur and Saumur-Champigny since 1783! However, the most exciting chapter for this estate began in 2017 when the great Loire vigneron Nicholas Reau took over farming and winemaking. Purity of fruit and racy texture are the hallmark here, resonating with great energy and a remarkable sense of place.

Named for Fernande Misandeau from which Hardouin family purchased the vineyard in 1985. She donated the proceeds to Varrains music school and the family honours that generosity by naming this cuvee for her. 

It is cabernet franc from a great vineyard comprising limestone, clay and sand soils. Unlike the others, this is fermented and raised for 18 months in Austrian oak. This is a wine made for ageing and has decades ahead of it, but like Midi, if you seek power in your reds, this will entirely satisfy.