Château de Thésée La Closerie Pineau d'Aunis, Loire Valley, France

A rare and characterful red from the Loire Valley, Chateau de Thésée La Closerie offers something a little different for lovers of lighter styles. Made from the distinctive Pineau d’Aunis grape, it’s full of lively red berry flavours, gentle white pepper spice and subtle dried herb notes. Fresh, vibrant and wonderfully versatile, it’s an ideal choice if you enjoy lighter reds and fancy trying something beyond the usual Pinot Noir. Tasting Notes & Food Pairings The Profile: Opens with lifted aromas of crushed wild strawberries, tart red currant, and signature white pepper, leading into a juicy palate of sour cherry, bright acidity, and a delicate, savory, spiced finish. Classic Pairings: Complements charcuterie boards featuring duck rillettes, roasted pheasant, or creamy, soft goat cheeses like Sainte-Maure de Touraine. Irish Favourite Pairings: Traditional Sausages & Colcannon – The wine’s peppery character works beautifully with good-quality Irish pork sausages, while its bright acidity cuts through the richness of the buttery colcannon. Roast Chicken with Herb Stuffing – A natural match for roast chicken, with the wine’s red berry fruit and dried herb notes complementing the savoury stuffing without overpowering the meat. Irish Bacon & Cabbage – The freshness of the wine lifts this classic dish, while its gentle spice adds extra interest alongside the smoky, salty bacon. How the wine is made Grown on limestone and clay soils typical of the Touraine district, this pure Pineau d'Aunis is crafted using thoughtful, low-intervention techniques to preserve the grape's delicate aromatic identity. The grapes are carefully harvested and strictly sorted before undergoing cool temperature fermentation to lock in fresh fruit character. Aged in neutral vessels to ensure the vibrant spice and acidity remain unmasked by heavy oak, the result is an honest, pure, and delightfully fresh expression of the Loire terroir. Why we love this producer Chateau de Thésée represents everything Grape & Bean stands for: authentic, site-expressive winemaking anchored in deep regional heritage. Nestled along the Cher River, the estate dedicates itself to preserving native Loire varieties that tell a genuine story of time and place. Their passion for keeping rare grapes like Pineau d'Aunis alive produces wines of incredible personality and distinct charm that continually stand out on our shelves. Sustainability & Farming Practices Certifications: Produced in alignment with High Environmental Value (HVE) standards, demonstrating a verified commitment to ecosystem protection and natural resource management. Vineyard Practices: Farmed with deep respect for local biodiversity, prioritizing healthy soil vitality, careful manual vineyard work, and minimal intervention in both the vineyard and cellar.