Domaine Bobinet Californie 2023

Domaine Bobinet is a highly respected natural winery in the Saumur region of the Loire Valley, France. Founded by Sébastien Bobinet, an eighth-generation winemaker, the Domaine has produced wines since 2002. In partnership with his wife, Émeline Calvez, Sébastien has brought a fresh and innovative approach to natural winemaking. The couple focuses on creating wines that are both expressive and approachable, with an emphasis on organic farming and minimal intervention in the cellar.

The vineyard spans several parcels in Saumur, planted on tuffeau limestone soils that contribute a unique minerality to their wines. The cool climate of the Loire Valley, combined with these distinctive soils, provides an ideal environment for growing Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc, and Pineau d'Aunis, which are key varieties in their portfolio​.

Domaine Bobinet produces a range of wines, from easy-drinking, fun cuvées like Piak! Rouge and Californie, to more structured, age-worthy bottles like Les Gruches. All of their wines are made using organic farming practices, spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, and minimal sulfur. This natural approach allows the wines to express the terroir and vintage with clarity, making them popular with natural wine enthusiasts worldwide.

The Saumur wine region, located in the heart of the Loire Valley, is renowned for its unique limestone-rich terroir, which shapes the character of its wines. The area is known for its tuffeau soils—soft, porous limestone that helps the vines retain moisture and maintain a balanced acidity. This soil and the region's temperate climate make Saumur ideal for growing grape varieties like Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc, and Pineau d'Aunis.

The Saumur appellation is diverse, producing a range of wine styles, including still red and white wines, sparkling wines (Crémant de Loire and Saumur Brut), and rosés. Cabernet Franc is the dominant variety for red wines, offering flavors of ripe red fruits, herbs, and minerality, often with a fresh and vibrant finish. Chenin Blanc dominates the white wines, known for their minerality, floral notes, and aging potential. Depending on the winemaker's style, the white wines range from dry to sweet.

Sparkling wines are a key feature of Saumur, particularly Crémant de Loire, made using the traditional method. These wines are celebrated for their elegance, bright acidity, and fine bubbles.

The region is home to some of the Loire Valley's most famous wine houses and a growing number of natural winemakers like Domaine Bobinet, who emphasize organic agricultural practices and minimal intervention in winemaking​.