# Pascal Carole Trompette Vin de France Red (2023)

- **Producer:** Pascal Carole
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Franc
- **Region:** Loire, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €24
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, strawberry, redcurrant, plum, bell pepper, herbaceous, violet

## About this wine

Pascal Carole, originally from Martinique, spent nearly a decade in North America's tech sector before pursuing his passion for natural winemaking. Inspired by tastings in San Francisco and hands-on training in California, Carole relocated to Saumur in the Loire Valley in 2022 to establish his own domain. Operating a tiny garage micro-cellar located on Île Offard—an island in the Loire River locally known as 'between the bridges'—he sources organic Cabernet Franc grapes from Montreuil-Bellay to craft low-intervention expressions of the region.

## Interesting facts

- Winemaker Pascal Carole pivoted from a career in Silicon Valley tech to low-intervention winemaking in Saumur.
- The estate operates out of a tiny garage cellar situated on Île Offard, an island in the middle of the Loire River.
- Total annual production for the winery across all cuvées is extremely limited, ranging between 2,000 and 3,400 bottles.

## Food pairing

With its bright natural acidity and supple, low-tannin structure, this cuvée pairs beautifully with lighter meats, charcuterie, and tomato-based dishes. The high acidity cuts through fat without overpowering delicate flavors, while soft tannins prevent bitter interactions with goat cheese or lighter proteins.

## Wine making process

Crafted using 100% certified organic Cabernet Franc from limestone and clay-alluvial soils. The winemaking combines direct-pressed juice with a three-week whole-cluster infusion to achieve a delicate balance of fruit and light structure. Fermentation occurs spontaneously using indigenous yeasts without added sulfites. The wine is aged for 8 months in stainless steel tanks before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.