Julien Pineau | "Pork Soda" Pet Nat | Loire Valley, France | 2022
Originating from Tours, Julien Pineau's journey began with studies in sociology and law, realms he found uninspiring. Venturing overseas to Seattle and Sicily, he explored diverse roles from teaching to studying soil compositions. A pivotal moment came during a harvest in Montlouis, where he fell in love with winemaking amidst the vines of Lise and Bertrand Jousset.
Though tempted by a wine bar or restaurant, Julien's passion for viticulture blossomed, particularly after working with renowned vineyards like Clos Roche Blanche. Teaming up with Laurent Saillard, he seized the opportunity to invest in Catherine Roussel's land, cultivating six hectares with varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc.
Julien's debut vintage in 2015 showcased his commitment to sustainable practices. Harnessing the land's natural bounty, he employs horses for cultivation, fostering harmony among diverse plant and insect life. Collaborating with his agronomist wife, future plans include polyculture expansion with fruit trees and roaming animals. In the cellar, his wines undergo long aging without sulfur additions, resulting in cuvées that reflect the essence of each harvest.
🧑🤝🧑 Pair with: serve as aperitif or with light bites, appetizers, shellfish, fried food
🍇 Grape Variety: 100% Menu Pineau, a lesser known variety indigenous to the Loire Valley
🌱 Farming: Organic, practicing biodynamic
🍾 Winemaking: direct press, fermented in fibergalss, ancestral method, no added SO2
🧑🏼🌾 Winemakers: Julien Pineau
🌎 Region: VDF - Loire Valley, France
🌡 Serve: Cold