# Ange (2023)

- **Producer:** Nicolas Reau
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Franc
- **Region:** Loire, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €23
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, red cherry, blackcurrant, green peppercorn, fennel, earth, licorice, dark chocolate, spice

## About this wine

Ange by Nicolas Reau is a natural red wine from the Anjou appellation in France's Loire Valley, produced in 2023. The wine is made from 100% Cabernet Franc grapes. Nicolas Reau, the winemaker, transitioned from a career as a concert pianist to viticulture in 1994, establishing his domaine in 2002. He is known for his natural winemaking approach, focusing on minimal intervention in both the vineyard and cellar. The estate's vineyards are located in southern Anjou, on a terroir characterized by ancient Toarcian-era earth, including limestone, pink schist, quartz, sand, and silt, which is considered ideal for Cabernet Franc. The wine's name, 'Ange,' meaning 'Angel,' was inspired by Reau's son and is reflected in the label's artwork.

## Interesting facts

- Winemaker Nicolas Reau was once a professional pianist.
- The wine's name 'Ange' means 'Angel' in French.
- The label features childlike artwork.
- The estate's soil dates back approximately 180 million years.

## Food pairing

The wine's bright acidity and delicate tannins make it a versatile food companion. It can cut through the richness of fatty meats and complement earthy flavors, while its fruit-forward character harmonizes with herbs and subtle spices.

## Wine making process

The 'Ange' wine is produced using a minimalist approach. Grapes are fermented with indigenous yeasts, a practice that emphasizes the natural character of the fruit and vineyard. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for six months in stainless steel tanks, a technique chosen to maintain its freshness and vibrant fruit profile. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered, with minimal or no added sulfur dioxide, further adhering to the principles of natural winemaking. Nicolas Reau's winemaking is guided by organic and biodynamic farming principles, though formal certification is not always pursued.