Château de Fosse-Sèche : Eolithe 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Eolithe 2023 wine from Château de Fosse-Sèche

Tasting

Color
The glass glows with a bright, deep red hue.

Nose
The nose reveals lovely aromatic complexity with notes of violet and licorice, accompanied by red and black fruits such as cherry, redcurrant, and blackcurrant. Mineral nuances of graphite and subtle herbaceous touches complete this expressive bouquet.

Palate
On the palate, this wine seduces with its light to medium structure, carried by a lively and refreshing acidity. The palate reveals a lovely concentration of red fruits, notably cherry, red plum, and raspberry, balanced by a distinctive minerality and earthy notes. The tannins prove fine, well integrated, and velvety, bringing an elegant structure without dominating the aromatic expression. The finish lingers with persistence, leaving an impression of freshness and pure fruit.

Food and wine pairing
This wine pairs perfectly with lamb, particularly roasted or slow-cooked preparations with herbs. It also pairs very well with roasted poultry, pork dishes, as well as goat cheeses. Mushroom-based dishes and Mediterranean preparations with grilled vegetables also make excellent pairings.

Service and storage
The Eolithe 2023 can be enjoyed today while also possessing fine aging potential.

An elegant and mineral Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley

The estate
Founded in 1998 by the Pire family, Château de Fosse-Sèche spans 45 hectares in the Loire Valley, of which only 15 hectares are devoted to vines. Since 2012, twin brothers Guillaume and Adrien Pire have run the estate, with Adrien focusing on viticulture while Guillaume oversees winemaking. The estate stands out for its exceptional environmental commitment: certified biodynamic since 2013, it dedicates two-thirds of its land to preserving biodiversity and is recognized as a national bird sanctuary. The estate is home to beehives, a herd of goats, and maintains wooded areas, creating a true ecosystem in service of sustainable winegrowing.

The vineyard
This Vin de France comes from a unique terroir located on the Brossay plateau in Vaudelnay, within the Saumur appellation. Unlike the region's typical limestone soils, the vineyard rests on Jurassic soils composed of flint, gravel, and clay, enriched with iron oxide. This geological peculiarity, recognized since the Middle Ages, gives the wines their distinctive minerality. The slightly convex terrain benefits from a windy, cool exposure, while the flint soils store heat, creating an ideal thermal balance. The vines, aged between 10 and 60 years, are farmed under certified biodynamic agriculture, with hand harvesting and rigorous sorting.

The vintage
The 2023 vintage in the Loire Valley provided particularly favorable conditions for the ripening of Cabernet Franc, allowing for optimal phenolic maturity while preserving the freshness and acidity characteristic of the region.

Winemaking and aging
Following hand harvesting and several successive sorting passes, the grapes for the Eolithe 2023 are fully destemmed and then vinified in concrete egg-shaped vats from the Nomblot house. Fermentation occurs naturally through indigenous yeasts, without inoculation. Malolactic fermentation takes place spontaneously according to the conditions of the vintage. Aging on the lees extends between 14 and 21 months in the egg-shaped vats, promoting the development of complexity and texture. Any racking or additions only occur after malolactic fermentation has fully completed.

Grape varieties
Cabernet Franc (99%)
Cabernet Sauvignon (1%)