Domaine Fouet - 'Buvons des Fruits' - Cabernet Franc - Loire Valley, FR - 2021

Julien is proudest of his red wines. And this is his second essay at a “Natural” wine – six days of carbonic maceration, unfined, unfiltered and unsulfured. To describe it as “delicious” is to understate the indecently charming beauty of its varietal character. “Let us drink Fruits” is how the name translates – a little ponderous, perhaps, but entirely apt to the simple ambition of the wine. It has developed a devoted following in short order.

Located in the wine commune of Saint Cyr en Bourg, Domaine Fouet has continued the family tradition of winemaking for 6 generations. In the heart of the Saumur Champigny appellation, Julien Fouet now runs a 20-hectare vineyard, combining modern techniques while respecting tradition. Recognized Domain ... Thanks to a loyal clientele, 30% of individuals, 30% of restaurateurs and 30% of export (USA, Canada, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands ...), Domaine Fouet gives itself the means to develop quality wines for a broad clientele. Respect for the environment ... In an effort to respect the environment, we are in the second year of conversion to organic farming. We will be certified Ecocert for the 2020 vintage. This year, we have several parcels in ecopaturage, that is to say with sheep who are in charge of weeding the vines instead of mechanical work. A concern for quality ... From the size of the vine (low yields) to the bottling (no filtrations), everything is set up to obtain the best quality wines possible, reflecting the terroir of Saumur Champigny, and our know-how. All these qualitative efforts allow us to obtain numerous awards and to be present on large tables. Winemaking: A selected harvest ... Generally in early October, the harvest of the estate undergoes a first sorting in the vineyard, then a second on the table. Maceration takes place in traditional vats. The wine is then lowered and raised in our cellars dug in the tufa.
"We have worked with Julien Fouet for twenty years now and have watched him grow in stature with each passing vintage, especially since the premature passing of his father in 2016. Having long used organic practices, he is also in the course of being certified by Ecocert. Among the changes he has instituted are “eco-pâturage”, or, put another way, using sheep to weed and fertilise his vineyards. Another important recent change is Julien’s decision to discontinue the production of his two basic Crémants, the white and the rosé, which over the years had developed a huge following in California. Instead, he will make just two sparklers : the St. Cyr (see below) will be the lone “classic” example, and otherwise Julien will offer his P.M.G. “Pour Mon Gueule” – a Pet Nat that we hope to bring in. This development is in accord with the expansion of his “Buvons des Fruits” line to a white and a rosé. He is nothing if not restless!"
-Wine Wise Imports