WTN: Pinot d'Aunis

Thierry Puzelat 2007 "La Tesnière" Pineau d'Aunis: Perfume of red berries, mostly strawberry, plus a musky, "animal" character. Lots of red berry on the palate, with some tart acidity to keep everything lively. Puzelat is a true "non-interventionist," which is great, although minimal intervention in this case means instability. One is considered lucky to have 9 good bottles out of a case. Such is the price of wildness.

Clos Roche Blanche Touraine Pinot D'Aunis Rosé 2008: Strawberry, raspberry, red currant, and once again a musky character I can't put my finger on. A not unpleasant tang of oxidation, as though someone had waved a bottle of Manzanilla nearby.

As much as I love these wines, I am a bit spooked by their fragility. I'd be afraid to stock them for retail sale.

the animal character almost certainly is a form of brett. aunis should be more peppery.

I'm doing a comparative tasting, this coming Friday, of Puzelat's La Tesniere Pinot d'Aunis, Touraine KO (In Côt We Trust), and Touraine Pouillé (Gamay). All are 2007s, but I'm still apprehensive.

the animal character almost certainly is a form of brett. aunis should be more peppery.

I lack the experience to know what d'Aunis "should" taste like. I'm inclined to agree about the brett.