Cassini Saint-Émilion 2021

Arnauld Cassini is one of a few producers leading a revolution.  A revolution against the intervention-heavy winemaking which has plagued one of the world’s finest terroirs.  With close friends Catherine and Pierre Breton, and taking inspiration from Didier Dagueaneau, he takes a hands-off approach in the vineyard.  This extends to the cellar, where he uses no oak (preferring concrete as a vessel for fermentation and maturation), minimal sulphur and neither fines nor filters his wines.  As a result, Arnauld describes himself as a natural winemaker—which he takes to mean that his wines are a pure reflection of their terroir.  Working towards his biodynamic certification he has practised this way for years and the wines show a vitality and uniqueness that is incredibly compelling.  This is rebel winemaking at its best and the wines are delicious.

Arnauld describes himself as a natural winemaker — no filtering and nothing added at all. Working towards his biodynamic certification he has practised this way for years.  All work in the vineyard done manually, with no insecticides or anti-mildew chemicals used. 3 week fermentation with élevage of 22 months in cement tanks.  Bottled unfined and unfiltered.  Minimal amount of SO2 added just before bottling.