Benoit Courault Les Rouliers 2020

Benoit Courault is one of the new wave of Loire growers who has built a following among drinkers of natural wine, influenced by figures such as Dominique Derain, Yvon Metras and Eric Pfifferling. His approach concentrates the work in the vineyard so that once the Cabernet Franc reaches the cellar, very little intervention is needed. Les Rouliers is a Vin de France Cabernet Franc grown on the schist and clay soils typical of the Loire, where the cool climate preserves the grape's natural acidity and its savoury, leafy character. Fermentation is carried out with native yeasts and the wine then spends twelve months in used French oak barrels, so the wood contributes slow oxygen and structure rather than vanilla or toast. The colour is a deep, bright ruby. The nose shows redcurrant, red berries, crushed herbs and a hint of graphite, while the palate is medium bodied with fresh acidity, fine grainy tannin and a peppery, savoury finish. Serve at 16 degrees and decant briefly. It works with roast lamb, grilled beef and hard cheeses.