Wineries throw around the word Cave to mean wine cellar, but it is rarely as literal as when describing the Loire Valley winery of Yannick Amirault where production takes place entirely within a natural cave.
The winemaking is certified-organic; from hand-picking to natural wooden vat fermentation involving indigenous yeasts and no sulfites. Amirault is extremely focused on the authentic reflection of both vintage and terroir.
The ‘La Coudraye’ bottling is 100% Cabernet Franc, sourced from a terrace overlooking the Loire village of Bourgueil. The vines - which can be as old as 55 years - were certified organic in 2009, but have been farmed organically since 1997.
Flavors in the wine include wonderful acidic fruits such as pomegranates and cranberry complicated by some spice, licorice, and a dash of green pepper.