Pierre Menard Orion Alpha Cabernet Franc 2022

Country: France

Region: Loire

Type: Red Wine

Grape: Cabernet Franc

After studying wine in the Agronomic school of Angers, Pierre Menard traveled the world to learn about winemaking in Canada, New Zealand and Hungary. Only in his late twenties, Pierre started to produce wine in the Layon in 2013, using a 100-year-old Chenin Blanc vineyard planted on schist called “Le Quart des Noëls”. The plot used to belong to his parents who withdrew some of the vines from their cooperative contract.

Since then, Pierre has expanded his holdings to more than 1.5 hectares, all farmed biodynamically. He makes several bottlings of Chenin Blanc from these old vines, all dry, in addition to a smaller amount of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. Since his first vintage, Pierre’s wines have been met with critical acclaim, and he is considered one of the most significant young vignerons in Anjou today. As a result, his wines are now quite limited. 

The Orion Alpha Cabernet Franc (100%) hails from two plots: one with younger vines, and the other with some very old vines of 65 years at the lower part of the slopes of Clos des Mailles. This marriage between young and old, between fresh vibrance and rich complexity, make the Orion Alpha an utterly satisfying Cabernet Franc, one that will age well for many years to come. About three weeks maceration after destemming, with spontaneous fermentation in barrels. No fining or filtration.