Jean-Francois Merieau Cot Loire 2016

It may seem unlikely to find Malbec (or Côt as it’s called locally, pronounced Ko) in the Loire Valley, but there’s some really good examples being made. The canopy has to be carefully managed to concentrate all the energy on the fruit to achieve ripeness. The result is a Beaujolais-style, light-bodied red, with aromas of freshly-picked fruits such as red cherry and blackberry, Szechuan pepper, and clove, and a very fresh but gripping palate. This is a fantastic wine.