Château Pierre-Bise -- 'Schistes' Anjou Villages

A relatively short family history for this region, the Papin family has been making wine at this estate since 1959. Current winemaker René Pepin maintains a very sustainable way of farming: synergistic agriculture, a practice outlined by Japanese agronomist and scientist Masanobu Fukuoka, that while exceedingly natural, has been put into a structure that many around the globe are beginning to follow. Synergistic agriculture pays close attention to soil health by not plowing or leaving bare the soil, to the trees by promoting biodiversity, and to other living creatures in the vineyard from insects and birds as natural pest control to larger animals such as sheep and cows who give back to the soil as well as help tend the vines.

Grapes: Cabernet Franc 90%, Cabernet Sauvignon 10%

Region: Anjou Villages, Loire Valley, France

Good to Know: Organic, hand harvested, ambient yeast ferment, minimal filtration, zero additives, aged in neutral oak