Domaine Philippe Tessier Cheverny Rouge "Point du Jour" 2021

Alcohol: 12%

Grape(s): 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Gamay

Localization: Cheverny, Loire Valley, France

Tasting Notes: Point du Jour is a benchmark example of a classic Loire Valley Cheverny from revered natural winemaker Philippe Tessier. A medium-light-bodied blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Gamay. The grapes are 30% destemmed, with 70% left in their whole cluster before undergoing fermentation in part through carbonic maceration. This is a method typically used to emphasize freshness while suppressing tannins. Nonetheless, this wine has structure and balance with dry, dusty tannins amplified by a pronounced granite minerality, pomegranate, ripe cherry, and peppery and herbaceous notes. Enjoy Point du Jour with braised lamb shanks.

The Domain: Domaine Tessier was founded in 1961 by Roger Tessier, with his son Philippe taking the reins 20 years later in 1981. They are located in the heart of the Cheverny and Cour-Cheverny AOCs and have 23 ha of vines.

The vineyard exists in a microclimate that keeps the vineyards cool, situated between the Loire River and the forest of Cheverny, Chambord and Solonge and has been Ecocert certified since 1998.

Philippe believes that a wine should be the expression of the place from which it comes and should reflect the climatic conditions of the year and the vigneron that produces it, while respecting the soil's life and the environment. He believes that it should give pleasure but must also be sound and healthy, alive and digestible and above all, it should be a natural wine.