2022 Benoit Brazilier - Coteaux Vendomois Margot (750ml)

Domaine Brazilier sits in the heart of the Coteaux du Vendômois appellation, in the village of Thoré-la-Rochette between Vendôme and Montoire-sur-le-Loir. Benoît Brazilier represents the seventh generation of winemakers in his family, having begun working independently alongside his father Jean in 1997. Farming organically across twenty-five hectares, the estate has become one of the region's most respected producers, championing native varieties that are increasingly rare elsewhere in the Loire.

Margot is built from Pineau d'Aunis, a spicy, lesser-known red grape historically used mostly for blending but treated here as the star. The organically farmed vines grow on the region's characteristic clay and flint soils, giving the wine its lifted aromatics and peppery edge. Vinification favors a light touch, with the finished wine left unfined and only lightly filtered, preserving its bright, direct character.

In the glass it shows floral perfume alongside notes of sour cherry and ripe plum, framed by a distinct peppery spice and a chalky, whetstone minerality. The palate is fresh and light-bodied, with supple, persistent tannin and a savory, spiced finish. Serve it slightly chilled with charcuterie, grilled salmon, or a mild soft cheese.