# Ponceau Rouge (2022)

- **Producer:** Jean Baptiste Hardy
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
- **Region:** Loire, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Average price:** €43
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, plum, raspberry, bramble, forest floor, mushroom, earth

## About this wine

Ponceau Rouge is a captivating red blend crafted by Jean Baptiste Hardy, a rising star in the Muscadet region of France's Loire Valley. Hardy, who took over his family's estate, honed his skills under the tutelage of renowned Meursault master Jean-Marc Roulot. While celebrated for his exceptional Muscadet white wines, Ponceau Rouge showcases his versatility and commitment to quality in red winemaking. The wine hails from vines planted in 1994 on granite and clay soils with a southern exposition, reflecting the unique terroir of the Muscadet sub-region. Hardy's approach is deeply rooted in organic and biodynamic principles, emphasizing minimal intervention to allow the wine's true character to shine through.

## Interesting facts

- Jean-Baptiste Hardy studied winemaking under the esteemed Meursault master Jean-Marc Roulot.
- While famous for his Muscadet white wines, Ponceau Rouge demonstrates Hardy's skill in crafting complex red blends.
- The vineyard is farmed using organic and biodynamic principles, reflecting a deep respect for the land.
- The wine is bottled without fining or filtration, a minimal intervention approach to preserve its natural character.

## Food pairing

This red blend, with its dark, juicy fruit and earthy complexity, pairs beautifully with rich, savory dishes. The wine's structure and fruit profile can stand up to roasted or braised meats, while its earthy undertones complement mushrooms and root vegetables. Dishes with a hint of sweetness or fruit-based sauces will harmonize with the wine's bramble and plum notes, creating a balanced and satisfying culinary experience. Hard, aged cheeses also make an excellent match.

## Wine making process

The winemaking journey for Ponceau Rouge begins in vineyards farmed using organic and biodynamic principles, though not officially certified. Practices such as debudding and Guyot Nantais pruning are meticulously applied, and the grapes are harvested by hand to ensure optimal quality. In the cellar, the grapes are 100% de-stemmed before undergoing fermentation with indigenous yeasts, a testament to the producer's minimal interventionist philosophy. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 18 months in 228-liter barrels, allowing for a gradual evolution of complexity and texture. Finally, Ponceau Rouge is bottled without fining or filtration, preserving its natural depth and character.