Tasting Notes
100% Cabernet Franc. Les Arboises is a subsection of the limestone-dominant Brézé hill. This is Guiberteau’s top red from a renowned red terroir. The monopole parcel was planted in 1957 on a very rocky, chalky site, and produces super-graceful and mineral expressions of Saumur. The fruit was fully destemmed and naturally fermented in concrete before resting for 18 months in a mixture of new, one, two, and three-year-old barrels. Guiberteau ages this cuvée for longer than his other reds, both in barrel and bottle, feeling this site’s more angular tannins require extra refinement.
As good as Les Chapaudaises is, this takes it to a whole new level: it’s emblematic of the style, structure, and resonant depth of this producer’s boundary-pushing reds. We tasted two vintages side-by-side: the upcoming 2019 is a deeply impressive wine, all pent-up flint and fruit and polished tannin; while the 2018 is the more alluring and inviting in style. Guiberteau is using just one-fifth new oak these days (early releases used closer to 50%) and the warmth of 2018 has worked wonders on curving out the site’s limestone tannins. The result is a pure, aromatic and succulent Arboises, full of classy, glowing fruit, a stiffening line of tension and a focussed and finely drawn close. Think cru-level Burgundy before Bourgueil! - Importer Note
An increased focus on the environment and an awareness of sustainable agriculture have given rise to a huge increase in organic viticulture. This is an exciting area of growth in the world of wine, and if done right, one that leads to better wines, healthier vines and soils, and less stress on the earth.
But what makes a wine organic?
Organic wine refers to a method of farming, rather than winemaking. It all starts in the vineyard, where vignerons and viticulturalists no longer use synthetic or systemic pesticides, herbicides or fertilisers. Instead they opt for organic compounds such as copper and sulfur, which can help reduce he pressure of disease and pests. This results in much better vine and soil health, with no unwanted chemicals leeching into local rivers and waterways through run-off.
Organic farming is not to be confused with Biodynamic farming which, although similar, is a different approach and requires many more specific practices. These practices such as specific soil preparations, and lunar-cycle harvesting are not necessary to achieve an organic system.
It is important to note that organic wines can still have sulphur dioxide added to them. Sulphur is an organic compound, and therefore winemakers are free to add it to their wines, and still achieve organic certification. Winemakers will often add sulphur to help stabilise the wine and protect it from oxygen come bottling time. The wine will still be completely organic, assuming the proper farming practices have been adhered to.
| Product Type | Wine Red Cabernet Franc |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | France |
| Region | Loire Valley |
| Sub Region | Saumur |
| Winemaking Practices | Minimal Intervention |
| Vineyard Practices | Organic/Biodynamic |