# Le Grolleau (2023)

- **Producer:** Domaine Catherine et Pierre Breton
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Grolleau
- **Region:** Loire, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 10.5%
- **Average price:** €15
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 12–14 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** strawberry, raspberry, redcurrant, cherry, black pepper

## About this wine

Domaine Catherine et Pierre Breton is an iconic organic pioneer in the Loire Valley, farming organically since 1985. In 2018, second-generation winemakers France and Baptiste Breton joined the family estate, introducing this modern cuvée to showcase the native Grolleau grape. Grown on sandy Senonian soils in Ingrandes-de-Touraine, the plot is sheltered by surrounding woods that maintain cooler microclimates, preserving the grape's signature fresh, vibrant profile.

## Interesting facts

- Grolleau derives from 'Gros L'Eau' (big water), historically grown to dilute water for safe daily drinking.
- Crafted by France and Baptiste Breton, whose family estate pioneered organic viticulture in Bourgueil in 1985.
- Fermented with 100% whole clusters using carbonic maceration without any added sulfites during vinification.

## Food pairing

Light-bodied red wines with low tannin and vibrant acidity excel with high-fat, rich charcuterie and tangy fresh goat cheeses. The crispness cuts through fat cleanly without generating astringency.

## Wine making process

Winemaking follows a low-intervention, natural approach featuring whole-cluster carbonic maceration for 15 to 21 days in concrete vats. Spontaneous fermentation relies on 100% indigenous yeasts with zero added sulfur or winemaking inputs during vinification. After gentle pneumatic pressing, the wine ages for 5 to 6 months in concrete vats and neutral wooden casks before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.