I was not riding along the Loire on the Bike Trail when I noticed these Red Cheeks, Les Joues Rouges, 100% Cabernet Franc and Organic from Beaulieu sur Layon.
This is one of the creations from Johanna et Jean François Chene who started La Coulée d'Ambrosia in 2005. They did not start selling their wines full scale until 2007. Their vineyards are 1/3 Cabernet Franc, 2/3 Chenin Blanc. The couple has been building a following slowly but surely.
More than anything else, I was first attracted to Les Joues Rouges by the image its name conveys of walking on a chilly day.
Since their wines are not available on this side of the Atlantic, I asked Jean François to make an introduction.
In his words:
A light bite on the palate, no sulfites added.
Of their 12 Wines, I would also like to taste the Rosé d’1 Jour 2009 bottled late April 2010.
It is 100% Cabernet Franc, one of my favorite varietals for Rosé wine. Mouth filling yet simple, wild strawberries feel, serve slightly chilled.