Natural Rouge
Anjou, Loire Valley, France
True to its name—'L’Enjouée' means "joyful" or "playful"—this wine is a vibrant, soul-cleansing red that captures the raw, honest spirit of the Loire Valley. While the Ogereau family is celebrated for their world-class Chenin Blanc, this cuvée demonstrates their mastery of the "glou-glou" style—wines built for immediate pleasure, conviviality, and freshness.
The fruit is sourced from 95% domaine-owned vineyards in Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay and Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné, where the vines sit on a bedrock of dark schist. This unique geology provides a mineral tension that perfectly balances the exuberant fruit. The 2023 vintage is a carefully constructed blend that highlights the strengths of each variety: Cabernet Franc for structure, and Grolleau, Gamay, and Cabernet Sauvignon for perfume and spice.
Winemaking is meticulous but low-intervention. The Gamay was fermented as whole bunches (6-day maceration), while the other varieties were destemmed but not crushed to preserve fruit purity. The wine was aged in underground tile-lined tanks to maintain its "electric" energy, resulting in a red that is light, supple, and incredibly food-friendly.
The wine is highly aromatic, leading with wild strawberry, crunchy cranberry, and a distinct peppery lift. On the palate, it is light-bodied and fluid, defined by its "snappy" acidity and a fine, graphite-like mineral finish.
