rating B+

standout Gamay-centric Loire

about a family winery dating back to 1927, now run by fourth-generation Jean-Baptiste Bonnigal and best friend Stéphane Bodet since 2015. They farm with organic and biodynamic practices, and make wines from Chenin Blanc, Côt (Malbec), Sauvignon Blanc, and Pineau d'Aunis.

wines tasted

"Brut d'Enfer" Crémant de Loire 2016 ($36)

aged for 42 months on the lees, which is far longer than most Crémant de Loire, this is a serious sparkling wine with a yeasty complexity and all the characteristics of Chenin Blanc. It's also almost completely dry, with just 2.3g/L of sugar. Think of it as a slightly more aromatic alternative to champagne.

website http://www.bonnigal-bodet.fr/

email contact@bonnigal-bodet.fr

phone +33 2 47 30 11 02

address 17 Rue d’Enfer, Limeray