2019 Ferme de la Sansonnière, Les Gélinettes, Vin de France
About this WINE
Ferme de la Sansonnière
Located in the Loire Valley of France, specifically in the Anjou region, Ferme de la Sansonnière is celebrated for its commitment to organic and biodynamic farming practices aimed at producing wines that maintain environmental sustainability.
Run by winemaker Mark Angeli, the estate is known for its exceptional Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc wines. Chenin Blanc, in particular, thrives in the cool climate and limestone-rich soils of the Loire Valley, resulting in wines with vibrant acidity, complexity, and age-worthiness.
Mark Angeli's approach to winemaking is deeply rooted in tradition yet innovative, with a focus on minimal intervention in the cellar to allow the natural characteristics of the grapes to shine through.
Vin de France
Vin de France is a wine classification in France that was introduced in 2010 to replace the former Vin de Table category. It represents a more flexible and modern approach to French wine production, offering winemakers greater freedom in terms of grape sourcing, blending, and winemaking techniques.
Unlike wines with controlled appellations such as AOC Alsace or Vin de Pays, which are tied to specific regions within France, Vin de France wines can be sourced from grapes grown anywhere in the country. This gives winemakers the freedom to experiment with grapes from different regions, allowing for greater creativity and innovation.
Winemakers can blend grape varieties from different regions or even different countries to create unique flavour profiles. This flexibility enables the production of a wide range of wine styles, from traditional varietal wines to innovative blends.
While Vin de France wines offer greater flexibility in production, they still must adhere to certain labelling requirements. The label must include the designation "Vin de France," along with the producer's name and the volume of alcohol. Additional information such as grape variety, vintage, and specific geographical origin may also be included on the label.
Vin de France wines may not have the prestige or strict regulations of wines from controlled appellations. However, they can still offer excellent quality and value. Many producers use Vin de France as a platform for experimentation and innovation, resulting in a diverse range of wines that cater to various tastes and preferences.
Vin de France wines are often positioned as versatile, everyday wines that are accessible and easy to understand. They can offer a good balance between quality and affordability, making them popular choices for everyday consumption.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is widely planted in Bordeaux and is the most important black grape grown in the Loire. In the Médoc it may constitute up to 15% of a typical vineyard - it is always blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and is used to add bouquet and complexity to the wines. It is more widely used in St.Emilion where it adapts well to the cooler and moister clay soils - Cheval Blanc is the most famous Cabernet Franc wine in the world, with the final blend consisting of up to 65% of the grape.
Cabernet Franc thrives in the Loire where the cooler growing conditions serve to accentuate the grape's herbaceous, grassy, lead pencil aromas. The best wines come from the tuffeaux limestone slopes of Chinon and Bourgeil where growers such as Jacky Blot produce intense well-structured wines that possess excellent cellaring potential.
Buying options
Add to wishlist
Description
Save 10% on the 75cl bottle, previously priced at £49.00. Offer valid while stocks last. BBX listings excluded.
Gélinette, an old French term for grouse, reflects the Anjou region's historical abundance of this bird amid its rich agricultural landscape. Mark Angeli of Ferme de la Sansonnière initially experimented with Cabernet Sauvignon but transitioned to Grolleau due to its potential for quality red wines. Despite criticism for its high yields and typical use in rosé, this indigenous grape can yield fragrant and complex wines when cultivated with care.
Originally labelled "Jeunes Vignes des Gélinettes," Mark Angeli's 2020 cuvée is now simply "Gélinettes" as the vines matured and became solely dedicated to Grolleau production. The grapes undergo hand destemming, followed by a three-week maceration before ageing in tanks. Originating from a dense, low-yielding vintage, the wine shows a smooth texture complemented by a subtle grip in its finish. Pair with rich, fatty fish or meats.
Berry Bros. & Rudd
wine at a glance
Delivery and quality guarantee