2022 Domaine Guion - Bourgueil Candide (750ml)

Loire Cabernet Franc from true organic pioneers. The Guion family founded their domaine in the heart of Bourgueil in 1950 as a self-sufficient farm, raising animals and growing grains alongside the vines. They went organic back in 1965, early enough that neighbors called them pioneers of organic grape growing in the Loire. Stéphane Guion studied in Bordeaux, took over the 8.5-hectare estate from his father in 1994, and earned Demeter biodynamic certification in 2021.

In the cellar Stéphane keeps a light touch: destemmed fruit, native yeasts, stainless steel, light filtration and only a little sulfur at bottling. The 2022 Candide is deep and vivid, with red plum, raspberry and cassis, violets and a touch of dried grass, then fresh, pure fruit on a chalky, mineral palate with firm but fine tannins. Lovely now, especially with an hour of air, and good for several more years. Pair with roast chicken, pork rillettes, grilled sausages or goat cheese.