Producer: Francois et Julien Pinon
Region: Vouvray, Loire, France
Varietal: Chenin Blanc
Year: 2015

Pinon makes two brut sparkling wines, both of which are made with the méthode traditionelle. The later-harvested, riper fruit goes into this zero-dosage bottling to allow for a better balance in the final wine (while the lower-sugar, higher acid grapes go into the brut bottling that receives a dosage and shorter aging).From a plot of old Chenin Blanc vines, François' Brut NV is kept on the lees for 18 months before bottling. It has pretty apple, pear, floral and toasty flavors with good acidity balancing the fruit. The current cuvée is from 2015 and it's one of their best ever - a bit riper than usual with round but well defined fruit—a great alternative to Champagne, Aromas are transcendent to summer days with notes of crushed seashells, honeysuckle, and warm apricot skins. Flavors of briny half-shell, pear, and almond skin cascade with bright lemon and honey comb.

Made with organic grapes.

*Price and availability in store may vary.