2011 Xavier Frissant, Touraine-Amboise Rouge "Renaissance"

 Ok folks, we’re going pretty far off the grid with today’s discovery. It’s an exciting journey, so buckle up and enjoy the ride! We’re heading deep into the heart of France’s Loire Valley, to a region full of rolling hills that slope towards the Loire river, dotted with medieval châteaux and cathedrals, and planted to a range of fruits, vegetables, and grains. This is where you’ll find Xavier and Isabelle Frissant, tending micro plots and making old-school, terroir driven wines. Most are snapped up and consumed in cafés around France, but a small amount make it stateside, including a surprising–and surprisingly profound–library release of a cuvée they no longer produce: “Renaissance.” This Malbec driven blend is deeply complex, savory, and aromatic–akin to a country cousin of some Classed Growth Bordeaux, albeit one from the 18th century! Like I said, it’s a rustic, wild ride that’s well worth the shockingly low price tag.  Vineyards and winemaking go back well over a thousand years i