Benoit Courault, VdF Rouge "Grande Maille", 2023

Benoît Courault brings the same thoughtful, hands-off winemaking to his reds as he does his Chenin—and “Grande Maille” is a perfect example. Sourced from organically farmed vineyards in Anjou and made without additives or manipulation, it’s a naturally fermented blend of Grolleau and Cabernet Franc, though the exact makeup can shift slightly with each vintage. The 2023 bottling captures the lift and life of the vintage: fresh blackberries, wild herbs, and crunchy earth, with supple tannins and bright acidity keeping things nimble. Grolleau brings perfume and playfulness, while Cabernet Franc adds structure and a touch of savory depth. Like all of Courault’s wines, this is fermented with native yeasts, aged in neutral vessels, and bottled with minimal sulfur (if any). There’s a touch of wildness, but no funk—it’s clean, honest, and deeply expressive of place. This is natural wine with structure and precision, perfect for lovers of Lapierre, Breton, or No Control, and anyone looking f