Gaspard Pinot Noir 2022

Gaspard is a natural wine label created by Jenny Lefcourt, a renowned importer and natural wine advocate under the Jenny & Francois umbrella. The grapes for this project are sourced from organic vineyards in the Loire Valley, France. A trusted winemaker in the region crafts the wines, ensuring they align with Jenny & Francois's discerning palate. The distinctive labels of Gaspard wines are the work of Madlen Herrstrom, a talented Swedish artist based in Paris who also named the label. Gaspard's wines stand out for their quality and affordability, a testament to Jenny & Francois's extensive knowledge of natural wine, organic farming, and natural winemaking practices.

The Loire Valley wine region in central France is renowned for its diverse range of wine styles, significantly influenced by its extensive geographic spread and the variable climates within its boundaries. This region, often called the "Garden of France," stretches over 800 kilometers from the Atlantic coast in the west to the center of France in the east, encompassing several distinct wine-producing areas along the Loire River.

The region produces excellent Sauvignon Blanc, with the appellations of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé particularly prestigious for their expressive, mineral-driven styles. Chenin Blanc is another key variety, central to the wines of Vouvray and Anjou, which are used to make everything from dry to sweet and even sparkling wines. Muscadet, near the Atlantic coast, focuses on the Melon de Bourgogne grape, producing crisp, saline wines that pair excellently with seafood.

In addition to white wines, the Loire Valley produces reds and rosés, primarily from Cabernet Franc. This grape thrives in the appellations of Chinon, Bourgueil, and Saumur-Champigny, producing wines known for their floral aromas and crisp acidity. These wines often exhibit a characteristic freshness and are typically consumed young.

The region's climate varies from maritime in the west, which provides a cooling influence ideal for Muscadet, to a more continental climate in the east, which supports the ripening of Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc. This climatic variation, coupled with the diverse array of terroirs, from chalky limestone to flinty clay, allows the Loire Valley to produce wines that are both diverse and highly reflective of their specific locales.