Domaine de l'Ours Bleu - Petit Insolent 2024
The Domaine de l'Ours Bleu is located in Montsoreau, in the heart of the Saumurois in the Loire Valley, a region renowned for its limestone terroirs dominated by tuffeau. Founded by Jérôme Baillargeau, the estate was built around a desire to reveal the great terroirs of Saumur through precise and distinctive wines. The vineyard extends over several plots located between Montsoreau, Fontevraud, and Brézé, mainly planted with Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, two emblematic grape varieties of the region. Managed organically, the estate favors a careful approach to the soils and the natural expression of the grapes. The vinifications are deliberately low-intervention to preserve the purity of the fruit and the faithful reading of the terroirs. Within this artisanal philosophy, some cuvées explore original expressions of the Loire Valley grape varieties. Petit Insolent 2024 fits into this approach by offering an atypical interpretation of Cabernet Franc.
The Petit Insolent 2024 cuvée is made exclusively from Cabernet Franc, but following an unusual approach for this grape variety generally vinified in red. The grapes are pressed immediately after harvest to extract a very pale juice, giving rise to a white wine made from a black grape variety, called white wine from black grapes. This direct pressing technique avoids extracting the color contained in the grape skins while preserving certain aromatic characteristics of the variety. The result is an original wine that plays with the traditional tasting codes. Its name reflects this free and offbeat spirit, as it deliberately blurs the lines between white and red wine. The vinification favors freshness and purity of fruit to highlight the natural liveliness of Cabernet Franc. This cuvée illustrates the creativity of the estate and its desire to explore different expressions of Loire Valley grape varieties.
On the palate, Petit Insolent 2024 shows a pale color with slightly bluish reflections that recall its unusual origin. The nose is immediately gourmand and expressive, dominated by aromas of fresh red fruits evoking currants and blackcurrants. On the palate, the wine reveals a light and dynamic texture supported by a lively acidity that brings a lot of freshness. The flavors of small red fruits express themselves with precision while maintaining the lightness of a white wine. The balance rests on the liveliness of the fruit and a salivating finish that prolongs the sensation of freshness. This original style is particularly well suited to convivial tasting and can accompany aperitifs, grilled fish, or light summer dishes. This wine stands out for its ability to surprise while remaining perfectly digestible.
Grape variety: 100% Cabernet Franc
