Jacky Preys "Terroir Pierre a Fusil" Cuvée de Fié Gris Vieilles Vignes, Loire Valley, France 2023

FROM NORTH BERKELEY IMPORTS:

THE WINE: Wildflowers, tarragon, yellow plums, tomatillos. Fié Gris is an ancient Loire grape and one that was nearly lost were it not for the efforts of winemaker Jacky Preys. Flinty soils give the wine its definition and mineral edge; Fié Gris’ natural juicy, tangy flavors are thirst-quenching.

THE PRODUCER: While Jacky Preys and his son Pascal own one of the larger wineries in Touraine, what has set the family apart is their particular attention to native Loire varieties like Fié Gris. Today Loire winemakers can help further the renaissance of Fié Gris, thanks to Preys’ work in conserving his ancient rootstock. Preys cares for his vines according to sustainable methods and only uses indigenous yeasts in the cellar. He harvests his older Fié Gris vines by hand, and ferments and ages it on fine lees in stainless steel tanks.