This is a robust number made from the Pineau d'Anuis grape variety. Deeply coloured and textural, it's a gastronomic number, with plenty of character from top to bottom and a lick of natty funk.

Jean-François Mérieau's family have had a foothold in the Vignoble des Bois Vaudons for over four generations, so it is easy to see where this guy gets his drive and inspiration for quality winemaking from. Jean-François is a minimalist; since he rook the reigns at the turn of the millennium, he has worked all of his vineyards as naturally as possible and relentlessly looks to preserve his family's oldest sites - some of which contain vines that are over 100 years old! You will find the majority of the estates 35 hectares of vineyards along the banks of the Cher River in the Touraine department of the Loire Valley. His domaine is complete with a chalk cellar beneath the ground, which offers the perfect conditions to lay down many of his age-worthy wines, where a significant amount are sold directly from his tasting room above the caves which is open to tourism - if you are in the area, then a visit here a must!