2020 · L'Alouette

Les Vignes du Fresche is a Loire Valley partnership between Marc Houtin and Daniel Craker focused on organically cultivated vines and hand-harvested fruit. Their approach is low-intervention: spontaneous fermentation, semi-carbonic or partial carbonic maceration, partial destemming, and aging in stainless steel with no oak influence. The wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal added sulfur. Working with 100% Pinot Noir as well as blends of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, and Groulleau, they produce reds that are bright, juicy, ripe, and textural.