2012 Puzelat-Bonhomme, Pineau d’ Aunis “La Tesniere” Loire Valley, France.
Puzelat’s rare and natural Pineau d’ Aunis is wild and unique red from the Loire Valley, Pineau d’ Aunis is a native Loire grape that has been around at sine 1100 AD and was a royal court favorite in Britain as far back as 1247. In many ways similar to Pinot Noir, this pale colored grape can make for an interesting red, though in many cases it is used in sparkling, or regional blends and sometime even a white wine, when it is bleeder off without skin contact. Not as pale as some of Jura varietals, like Poulsard, Puzelat-Bonhomme’s 2012 has a pretty light ruby hue, a spicy herbal nose with hints of flower petals, mineral and truffle earthy essence, leading to a bright palate of cherry, strawberry, raspberry and tangy plum fruit. The is subtle and vibrant wine, silky tannins and zest acidy hold things together, also being a very natural wine it does have a slight raw edge and needs to be kept cool in much the same way you would with Beaujolais, I have no idea how this fun will age, so best to enjoy this lighter style red now. It is full of pleasure and way off the beaten path.
($30 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive