The Château de Fosse-Sèche is in the middle Loire Valley, west of Saumur and Bourgeuil. Benedictine monks first planted vines here in the 1200s. Brothers Adrien and Guillaume Pire established the modern incarnation of the estate in 1998. They farm 15 hectares, with organic and biodynamic certification, amidst their own woods, alfalfa fields, goats, and bees. As the back labels says, “this wine is made with love and organic grapes.” The soils here are a distinctive mix of flint, gravel, and clay. The Pire brothers’ wines are much-lauded in Europe and appear on many Michelin-starred restaurant lists. Thus far they have largely flown under the radar in the U.S.; we hope to help change that!
'Eolithe' is 99% cabernet franc and 1% cabernet sauvignon. Indigenous fermentation occurs in egg-shaped concrete tanks, followed by aging on the lees in the same concrete eggs for about two years. This is ultra-elegant cabernet franc with suppleness, great depth, and lovely texture. 12.5% alcohol. Drink it in a Burgundy stem with flank or skirt steak, mushroom dishes, or aged cheeses.
