# Lumière des Sens (2022)

- **Producer:** Domaine Les Vignes de l'Ange Vin
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pineau d'Aunis
- **Region:** Loire, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €44
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, blackcurrant, black pepper, white pepper, smoke, cloves, forest floor, mushroom, game

## About this wine

Jean-Pierre Robinot is a legendary pioneer of the French natural wine movement, having established L'Ange Vin, one of Paris's first natural wine bars, and co-founded the wine journal Le Rouge et Le Blanc. Operating in Chahaignes in the Sarthe region of the Loire Valley, Robinot works alongside his family managing seven hectares of organically and biodynamically farmed vines. The estate intentionally bottles under Vin de France for winemaking freedom. Distinctive labels showcase Robinot's original night photography, with the 2022 vintage featuring a photo taken in Amsterdam.

## Interesting facts

- Producer Jean-Pierre Robinot co-founded the influential French wine journal Le Rouge et Le Blanc.
- Fermentation takes place naturally inside subterranean caves dug into ancient limestone.
- Labels feature original night photography captured by Robinot during his travels.

## Food pairing

Pineau d'Aunis delivers Pinot Noir-like weight combined with a signature peppery spice and high natural acidity. It pairs exceptionally well with earth-driven, savory, and aromatic dishes. The wine's vibrant acidity cuts through moderate fats in duck, pork, and charcuterie, while its peppery notes harmonize with herbal and spiced preparations.

## Wine making process

Lumière des Sens is crafted from 40- to 80-year-old Pineau d'Aunis vines grown on clay, chalk, and flint soils. Hand-harvested whole clusters undergo two to three weeks of maceration in ancient subterranean limestone caves. Fermentation occurs naturally with indigenous yeasts. The wine ages on fine lees in neutral French oak barrels for 15 months, before being bottled unfined, unfiltered, and with zero added sulfites.