Jennifer Bariou & Thibaut Bodet, "Funambulle" 2020

When Gallo-Roman wine production began in the area around the Loire Valley's Touraine sub-region, it nearly certainly had its start in the small vineyards of what is today known as Azay-le-Rideau. This little nook of the Loire is situated just southwest of the city of Tours on the left bank of the river. Renowned from time immemorial for its broad spectrum of both grape varieties in addition to micro-terroirs (as indicated by soil differences), Azay-le-Rideau has in modern times needed its champions. A kind of historical gem having, over the past few centuries, fallen under the shadow of more prominent names in its proximity -- Jennifer Bariou & Thibault Bodet are a winemaking couple who have enjoined the deeper tradition of light, playful wines produced from Azay-le-Rideau. Since 2015 the two have 9 hectares of biodynamic vines planted to Loire oddities and specialties, interplanted vitis vines along with hybrid grapes. This wine in your share is a perfect encapsulation of their project and place - an ancient style of wine (ancestral method, literally, the pét-nat) marked by the vivacity often associated with its modern expression, composed of grapes such as Grolleau, red-fleshed Gamay Chaudenay, & the hybrid grape Plantet (aka Seibel). Brilliant, exciting, particular wines of Azay-le-Rideau.