Sébastien David 'Hurluberlu'
Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil > Loire Valley > France
Cabernet Franc, 2023
"Hurluberlu" is crafted from 20 distinct parcels and stands as the estate's largest cuvée. The name "Hurluberlu" is actually Sébastien's nickname, bestowed upon him by the villagers, meaning "someone with their head in the clouds". This wine is crafted in a primeur style, emphasizing vibrant fruit character. Made from 100% Cabernet Franc, the grapes are meticulously hand-harvested in small crates. The winemaking process involves 25 days of carbonic maceration, with daily racking of the juice to minimize skin contact extraction. After pressing, the free-run and press juices are blended and aged in concrete tanks for several months. True to Sebastien's low-intervention philosophy, the wine is bottled without filtration and zero added sulfites in a very appealing package. Certified organic and biodynamic.
Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil > Loire Valley > France
Cabernet Franc, 2023
"Hurluberlu" is crafted from 20 distinct parcels and stands as the estate's largest cuvée. The name "Hurluberlu" is actually Sébastien's nickname, bestowed upon him by the villagers, meaning "someone with their head in the clouds". This wine is crafted in a primeur style, emphasizing vibrant fruit character. Made from 100% Cabernet Franc, the grapes are meticulously hand-harvested in small crates. The winemaking process involves 25 days of carbonic maceration, with daily racking of the juice to minimize skin contact extraction. After pressing, the free-run and press juices are blended and aged in concrete tanks for several months. True to Sebastien's low-intervention philosophy, the wine is bottled without filtration and zero added sulfites in a very appealing package. Certified organic and biodynamic.
Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil > Loire Valley > France
Cabernet Franc, 2023
"Hurluberlu" is crafted from 20 distinct parcels and stands as the estate's largest cuvée. The name "Hurluberlu" is actually Sébastien's nickname, bestowed upon him by the villagers, meaning "someone with their head in the clouds". This wine is crafted in a primeur style, emphasizing vibrant fruit character. Made from 100% Cabernet Franc, the grapes are meticulously hand-harvested in small crates. The winemaking process involves 25 days of carbonic maceration, with daily racking of the juice to minimize skin contact extraction. After pressing, the free-run and press juices are blended and aged in concrete tanks for several months. True to Sebastien's low-intervention philosophy, the wine is bottled without filtration and zero added sulfites in a very appealing package. Certified organic and biodynamic.
Grape: 100% Cabernet Franc
ABV: 12.5%
The Story: Sebastien David, an ardent supporter of biodynamic viticulture, established Domaine Sebastien David, a 12-hectare winery nestled in the heart of France's Loire Valley. Coming from a lineage of winemakers, Sebastien's vision was to craft wines that truly captured the essence of the Loire Valley's terroir, highlighting the distinct qualities of Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc grapes. Central to his winemaking philosophy is the belief that harmonious interaction with nature is paramount in creating exceptional wines. This principle is reflected in his practice of biodynamic viticulture, where he employs natural preparations and follows a lunar calendar to ensure the vines thrive in a healthy and balanced environment. Maintaining a constant cellar temperature of 54.3°F throughout the year fosters extended fermentation processes that fully consume all available sugars. The utilization of amphorae and concrete eggs, valued for their ovoid shape, facilitates a consistent circulation of lees, enriching the wines with complexity. Notably, Sebastien adheres to a minimalist approach in the cellar, refraining from adding or removing anything during the winemaking process.
Personality: A punchy, bistro-style Cab Franc - crunchy, vibrant, and wild. L'Hurluberlu is exuberant and fresh, brimming with cherry, raspberry and cranberry flavours that dance all over your palate. Delicious, slightly chilled!
Harmony: Serve with a slight chill to bring out the minerality, and break out a cold slab of terrine or gamey pâté, and why not a side of duck fat fried potatoes?