Variety: Pinot Noir

What’s most impressive about Tinel-Blondelet is the fact that Annick represents the twelfth generation of winemaking; their family has been dutifully wine growing for more than 400 years in the Loire Valley. Ferdnand Blondelet, the previous generation, is to thank for much of the identity of the winery today. Fifty years ago, he had been endeavoring in farming in the area of Pouilly sur Loire when he decided to focus solely on viticulture. He later acquired more land in Sancerre, which gave the family another appellation in which to bottle their wine. Fernand then became the first of the Tinels to create a wine-tasting cellar. Today, Tinel continues the tradition of the family coupled with her authenticity; both traits exude themselves in the wines.

This is Pinot Noir from 40 year old vines of flint and limestone soils. The wine is pressed directly, resulting in a very pale pink. The wine is then produced the same as a white wine, and drinks like one, too. It is fresh, minerally, and soft with surprising length.