Onis 2023

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 After having recently been in France a neighbour of mine knocked at my door and said he has brought a special bottle for me.

In a rather ecstatic way he has told me how he has got into an endlessly charming shop that literally was my face (whatever that means) and spontaneously asked the owner for a unique wine that could surprise someone who works with wine.

After a short thought the owner of the shop has chosen this bottle that I wanted to tell you about. 


Without any information on it, I dare to say that I have tried it almost blind, feeling indecisive whether it was Cabernet Franc or Pinot Noir. Too spicy for being Pinot and too soft to be Cabernet Franc. There was some intensive and fresh minerality, some light spices and delicate fruit profile in a lively and complex composition. 

Being a natural wine, there was also some funkiness but very decently integrated not overloading the main features of the grape. As far as I have managed to know, the fermentation occurred in a half buried amphorae which may have also contributed to its slight earthiness. 

Talking about Pineau d'Aunies, I have to confess I have never heard of it before.  

After a brief research,  I came to know that it is a native grape to the Loire region, also known as Chenin Noir and nicknamed as "Spicy Pinot". This somehow matches my first thoughts as I have tried it. Elegant but with some spicy notes to it which made it incredibly fascinating. Having been almost extinct is now living a slow but solid coming back as this wine is a good example of. 

I am more than sure that the quest my neighbour has put to the shop owner he has met in France was more than successfully fulfilled. I was really happy and grateful that 1) he has thought of me and 2) that he considers me being someone who is always looking for new and exciting wines.

 

17/20

Country: France
Region: Loire
Grapes: Pineau d'Aunies
Winemaker: Sylvain Rodriguez
11,5%
Link: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077522707655&ref=NONE_xav_ig_profile_page_web

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