Les Vignes de l’Atrie ‘L’Âme Heureux’ Rouge 2020

Location: France, Loire, Pays Nantais

Winemaker: Elise Hamant

Grapes: Grolleau Noir

Soil: Granite, schist

Winemaking: Macerated in concrete vat. Unfined/unfiltered

From us at M&L: ‘L’Âme Heureux’ translates to ‘'happy soul’ — 100% Grolleau Noir, vinified as a fresh vin de soif that still has feather-light tannins—think pomegranate and raspberry tea leaves, dry but with a breeziness like a cool summer rain. Drink chilled with sushi!

From the Importer Jeffrey Alpert Selections: After working as a farm worker for a decade, Elise Hamant decided to take over the 4 hectares of vines in the small commune of Aizenay in the Loire. The plots fascinatingly date back over one hundred years, when hybrids were once planted. The domaine has been certified organic since 2012. Elise currently works with Cabernet Franc, Gamay, Grolleau Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon for her red wines; for her whites, she works with Grolleau Gris, as well as Chardonnay. She brings in sheep in the winter to connect plant and animal life, uses nettle to activate her soils, and follows the lunar calendar.