La Descente aux Amphores Rouge 2013 Clos des Treilles

La Descente aux Amphores Rouge 2013

🌿 Vineyard Philosophy

Nicolas Réau cultivates his Cabernet Franc using biodynamic practices, with a deep respect for nature’s rhythms and terroir expression. The vines grow on clay-limestone soils, rich in organic matter, without synthetic chemicals. Vineyard work is meticulous, aiming to produce grapes of the highest purity.

🍇 Cellar Approach

This cuvée is a showcase of true craftsmanship. Grapes undergo 12 months of skin maceration in Georgian amphorae, an ancient vessel that allows gentle micro-oxygenation and full varietal expression. Fermentation is spontaneous, and there is no fining or filtration. Human intervention is minimal—nature leads the way.

👃 Tasting Notes

This take on Cabernet Franc is deep, clean, and strikingly expressive. Aromas of graphite, ripe black fruits, wild herbs, and dark spices emerge with clarity. The palate is vibrant and textured, with elegant tannins and a long, mineral-driven finish. A compelling balance of power and finesse.

📝 Tech Sheet

• Producer: Nicolas Réau

• Vintage: 2013

• Region: Loire Valley

• Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Franc

• Ageing: 12 months in Georgian amphorae

• Vinification: Long maceration, spontaneous fermentation

• Format: 0.75 l

• Alcohol: 12%

• Style: Natural red wine

• Contains sulfites: Yes (minimal)

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Clos des Treilles: a return to the land in the heart of Anjou

Clos des Treilles was born from the dream of Nicolas Reau, a visionary winemaker who, after a career as a pianist, chose to leave music behind to fully devote himself to wine. Nestled in the heart of Anjou, within the Loire Valley vineyards, this domaine embodies charm and biodiversity. Nicolas bought his first plots in 1998 and started vinifying in 2002 with a clear goal: to craft pure, uncompromising wines that express the soul of each unique parcel. His working philosophy blends peasant tradition, independent spirit, and an artistic sensitivity that shines through every bottle.

A living vineyard: nature, biodiversity, and absolute respect

Clos des Treilles is run with total respect for nature. Nicolas works with certified organic farming, no herbicides or pesticides, and careful manual labour that protects soil integrity. The vines, rooted in clay-limestone soils, are mainly old plots of Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Gamay, thriving thanks to the Loire’s temperate climate. Biodiversity is safeguarded through hedgerows, wildflowers, and beneficial insects, while yields are kept deliberately low to produce healthy, concentrated grapes that mirror their unique terroir.

In the cellar: no tricks, only time as an ally

In the cellar, the approach is just as radical: natural winemaking, spontaneous fermentations with only native yeasts, no fining or filtration, and minimal to no added sulphur in some cuvées. Nicolas uses steel, concrete, and wood vats, choosing the best vessel for each wine to highlight its true character. The wines are alive, vibrant, sometimes unpredictable but always authentic: they capture Anjou in its purest form, with freshness, minerality, and a drinkability that never fails to charm.