Le Sot De L'Ange Azay-Le-Rideau Chaulnay Petillant Naturel Pre 2014

This is an incredibly interesting and well-made pet-nat.  It is made from a grape variety known as Chaulnay – a local mutation of Gamay that has red skin as well as red flesh. This combination of pigment (color from a short maceration on the skins and color that is naturally present once the juice is pressed) gives the wine a deceptively dark hue that one might mistake for alluding to the wine being full-bodied or sweet. This is not so! It is fresh and light on its feet with a funky (not barnyard!) brambly earthiness paired with chewy black berry fruits and a touch of smoke. The palate is fruit-forward but has nice mineral cut and a bit of grip. Since this is a pet-nat, no SO2 is added at any time making for a seriously gulpable bottle of bubbles. Tim Gagnon

Ideal food pairings for Chenin Blanc include salads, mild to spicy rice dishes, sushi, seafood, and white meats.