François Cazin

 
François Cazin's vineyards lie in the Cheverny and Cour-Cheverny, relatively new A.O.C.'s (circa 1993) in the Loire Valley. The vines are of considerable age, and François is the only grower in Cheverny who still harvests by hand. Since 1997, the wine has been bottled unfiltered by gravity.

By law, Cheverny wine has to be a blend of varietals, and his is mainly Sauvignon Blanc with some Chardonnay. Cour-Chevervy, on the other hand, is all made from the Romorantin, a grape of unknown origin introduced to the region in 1519. High in acid, lightly viscous, Romorantin has a suggestion of oxidation that seems integral to the wine. Relatively neutral in youth, it often develops Chenin-like flavors of wax, hay, and petrol with bottle age.