The Vaillant family have been making wine since 1626 and the domaine continues to this day as a family business, in the hands of three siblings and a steady team of workers who tend to 55 hectares planted with Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Grolleau Gris and Noir, and Pineau d'Aunis. The vineyards were converted to organic farming in 1998, followed by Demeter certification in 2008. The breadth of the estate offers a diversity of terroirs: metamorphic grey and green schist, phtanite, quartz, sandy and gravelly soils, and falun coquillé, a fossil-rich, sedimentary rock. Microbial life in the soil is of utmost importance, allowing the vines to root deeply, drawing the elements they need to thrive. Harmony is also key, and the team adjusts their work according to the lunar cycle and an understanding of the natural world the vines grow within. Preparation 500 is used, a biodynamic preparation of cow manure buried underground in horns for the winter, along with the companion, foliar spray Horn Silica 501, that uses finely ground quartz buried in cow horns, and ‘works on the aerial parts of plants during their growth phase’. These preparations are carefully and patiently created, and their application is just as sensitive: 500 should be used in the evenings, after 5pm, while 501 is sprayed while the vines are growing but have not yet flowered, to balance hot and humid periods. Herbal teas also have their place, including horsetail and nettle, while annual and perennial herbs are encouraged, adding to the biodiversity.
Le P’tit Vaillant Rouge is a multi-vintage blend from 20/21, made with Cabernet Franc and Grolleau Noir, the latter known locally as Groslot. Grown on sandy-loamy soils with flint, the grapes were destemmed and macerated for around 10 days, before fermenting in a combination of concrete and inox, and aging for the most part in used barrique. Plum and sour cherry meet sprigs of thyme and just a hint of smoked wood, with light tannins that make it a great match for grilled bell peppers, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt. Drink at around 12°C.