# Amor Invictus (2024)

- **Producer:** Francine & François Dhumes
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Gamay
- **Region:** Loire, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €23
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 12–14 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** strawberry, cherry, redcurrant, herbaceous

## About this wine

Amor Invictus ('Unconquered Love') is a micro-production natural red wine created by Francine and François Dhumes. Following a severe frost in April 2024 that decimated their estate vineyards in Auvergne, they launched the 'Le Chant de la Lune' merchant project to continue winemaking. Sourcing organic Gamay from friend and grower Jean-Benoît Plagnol in Ardèche, this wine represents resilience and the solidarity of the French natural wine community.

## Interesting facts

- Created as a rescue cuvée after a spring frost destroyed the producer's estate crop in 2024.
- Named 'Amor Invictus' (Unconquered Love) to signify passion and resilience in natural winemaking.
- Made with zero added sulfur and bottled entirely unfined and unfiltered.

## Food pairing

This vibrant, lightly structured Gamay features bright acidity and soft, gentle tannins that slice effortlessly through rich charcuterie and roasted meats. Its lively fruit profile pairs seamlessly with fresh cheeses and earthy grilled vegetables without masking subtle food flavors.

## Wine making process

Hand-harvested in late August 2024 from organic vineyards on clay-limestone soils. The grapes undergo a 10 to 11 day whole-cluster semi-carbonic maceration in resin and fiberglass tanks using natural wild yeasts. The wine ages for 6 to 9 months in tank before being bottled unfined, unfiltered, and completely without added sulfur.