Cabernet Sauvignon, Grolleau, Chenin, and Gamay. Joel calls this a ‘mille-feuille de cépages’ as each varietal is carefully layered in whole bunches in the tank upon one another. First the gamay goes into the bottom of the tank, then one week later the grolleau, then one more week and the Cabernet Franc is added, and then finally, the Cabernet Sauvignon. Earthy, fruity, funky, lighter bodied, and vibrant for a perfect chillable red to welcome Spring.

Domaine des Sablonnettes

Christine and Joel Menard have been making wine in the heart of the Coteaux du Layon AOC for more than thirty years. They produce an outstanding array of wines from Cabernet Franc, Grolleau, Gamay, and Chenin Blanc. They practice biodynamic methods in their 13-hectares of vines. Christine and Joel run their domain to very exacting standards and as a result they produce stunning, natural wines—without employing artificial yeasts. These wines are vibrantly alive.