Terre de L'Elu "Maupiti" Vin de France, Loire Valley, France 2022

FROM EUROPEAN CELLARS:

THE WINE: A blend of Gamay and Cabernet Franc. Vivacious but not vacuous is probably the best way to describe Gamay grown in the Loire Valley. It certainly can have a nervy tang but when it is done right it can make for a joyous evening if a somewhat less than celebratory morning-after. Thomas blends some Cabernet Franc into his Gamay to make Maupiti, a more seductive and seriously fun Loire Valley red than we’ve seen in a while. Three glous on the glou-glou meter.

THE PRODUCER: Terre de l’Elu was originally established by two brothers in the 1950s who sold their grapes to local negociants, and in 2008, they retired selling their estate to Thomas and Charlotte Carsin. Thomas, an agricultural engineer by training, became enamored with viticulture during his studies. Once his formal education was complete, he traveled to Sonoma, Champagne, and Provence, supporting himself as a viticultural consultant while learning enology by working in various cellars. When Charlotte and Thomas found these vineyards for sale, it was an easy, if life-changing, decision to make.