Julien Rousselot
Julien Rousselot, Des Jus et du Lien, Papi Jean, Loire, France, Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022
Papi Jean, it is an absolute smokey, tasty, stewed fruit treat! Julien Rousselot ran the best natural wine bar in the Loire Valley for years until he was offered some old vines in Anjou to pursuit his dreams of making his own wine. This is a red wine that feels meaty; it has robust brambly fruit, lovely texture, a mid palate chocolate moment, and a divine and balanced finish. I love when cabernet sauvignon is blended with cabernet franc, it’s like richness meets spice and the two compliment each other so well. Julien is known for his dedication to quality and meticulous nature of his work in the cellar where everything is done naturally. It’s a wine that definitely should be the main event of any wintery dinner party, a crescendo of fullness and complexity.
Serving temp: Cellar temp, around 65 degrees, store in a dark and cool spot.
Pairing: Natural gravitation towards stews or meats, would be lovely with roasted maitake mushrooms as well!