Ariane Lesné, Pineau d'Aunis 'Picrochole' 2020

At Domaine de Montrieux, a small natural winery in an obscure, northerly town in the Loire Valley, Ariane Lesné uses local grape varieties like pineau d’aunis to make refreshing reds, textured whites, and exceptionally easy-drinking bubbly. These wines are bright and food-friendly, tailor-made for this group gatherings this time of year.

This bright, easy-drinking wine is made from pineau d'Aunis, a native Loire variety that yields a juicy yet savory red. It’s like a particularly peppery, tangy version of Beaujolais.