Majorelle 2022 Grolleau Noir Millesiem Val de Loire

The Wine

Grolleau Noir is grown almost exclusively in the Loire Valley, where it takes its name from the French word Grolle, or "Crow", as the grapes are as dark as the bird it takes its name from.  The grape is known for producing low-alcohol wines and most of the acreage is used to produce Rose wines. But when yields are kept down the grape can produce a nice fruity red wine that is just easy to drink.

Native yeast fermentation, aged in concrete to preserve the high notes of this light and spicy red. Aromas of strawberry and flowers (roses and candied violets). Very fine tannins and moderate acidity - all combine to provide a delightful red ready to be enjoyed in its youth, especially with a light chill (55 - 60degrees).

The Winery

Pauline Lair selects Loire Valley growers and crafts her brand of low-intervention, "natural" wines. This wine is 100% Grolleau Noir from vines planted over 60 years ago in the Loire Valley's Anjou region.

Not recognized by most American wine lovers, the grape actually has the third most acreage (for reds) in all of the the 600-mile Loire Valley, following Cabernet Franc and Gamay. It produces medium-bodied reds, it was used mostly for blending and rose production until it recently became the darling the region's younger winemakers crafting chillable reds - perhaps the trend that the 2020's will be best known for.