Place: 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.

La Piece d’Or is made from a portion of the vineyard comprising all the soil types scattered throughout: limestone, clay, flint and sand. Fermented and raised in concrete, it is approachable in its slightly jubey fruited frame, inflected with moreish leafy character.