Facteur s'ul Vélo Pineau d’Aunis ‘Le Facteur su’l Velo Rouge’ 2023

Le Facteur su'l Vélo Rouge is Fabien Brutout's expression of 100% Pineau d'Aunis from the Loire, showing what this rare indigenous variety can do when it's grown in the right place and handled with care. This is Pineau d'Aunis at its most honest and expressive – light, peppery, herbaceous, and full of character.

After completing a university course in wine and obtaining a degree in 2007, Fabien Brutout worked for 2 years as an apprentice with Sébastien Brunet in Vouvray. He joined Mathieu Cosme at the end of 2008 and committed to the estate full-time.

In 2013, following a discussion and tasting with some Belgian friends, the idea of creating a range of wines complementary to those produced by Mathieu began to take shape. 'Le Facteur' was born, and Fabien was given complete freedom regarding the winemaking.

In 2018, he settled in Noizay, taking over 4 hectares of vineyards in the A.O.C. Vouvray and Touraine. Meanwhile, with his brother, a farmer who took over the family farm, he planted 2 hectares of vineyards in the north of Indre-et-Loire, in the hamlet of L'Encloître (Beaumont-la-Ronce). On these family lands with limestone subsoils, which saw vineyards before phylloxera, Chenin is predominant but also coexists with Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pineau d'Aunis, and Gamay. This variety fuels Fabien's creativity in his winemaking for the years to come. Now self-employed, Fabien Brutout heads a vineyard of 7 hectares spread over several terroirs.

What you get is pure Pineau d'Aunis – red berries, white pepper, herbs, a touch of spice, and that characteristic bright acidity that makes it so food-friendly. There's delicate fruit and elegance here, but nothing feels heavy or overdone. The wine is light enough to serve slightly chilled, making it incredibly versatile.

Serve it at room temperature or slightly chilled with charcuterie, grilled vegetables, lighter meat dishes, or mushrooms. This is honest, energetic Loire red at a great price, perfect for those who want something lighter and more perfumed than typical reds.