Sébastien David Hurluberlu 2023

Sébastien David is a distinguished natural wine producer from Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil in France's Loire Valley. Representing the fifteenth generation of his family in winemaking, with a lineage tracing back to 1634, David cultivates 15 hectares of Cabernet Franc vines, some planted by his grandparents during World War II. He is committed to organic and biodynamic farming practices, holds Ecocert certification, and employs minimal intervention techniques in the cellar. His wines, such as the renowned Hurluberlu, are celebrated for their vibrant fruit expression and authentic reflection of the terroir. David's approach emphasizes sustainability and a deep respect for nature, producing wines that are both expressive and true to their origins.

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.