The story goes...

We called it ‘Figure Libre’ because we have chosen the freedom of creation and expression, combining the subtleness of the Loire with the bold character of the Languedoc. Away from the rigours of the appellation, in 2004 we planted the grape varieties which we felt would be best suited, those most able to reveal the expression and the qualities of our Brugairolles sandstone terroir. Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc, rarely grown in the region, originate from the Loire Valley, home of Winemaker Vincent Chansault.

Vintage

2022

Grape Variety

100% Cabernet Franc

Tasting notes

Pretty raspberry colour, brightened by blackcurrant highlights that immediately evoke an intense sensory experience.  

Organic & vegan wine

Certified organic wine and vegan friendly

Press and Awards

Robert Parker (YC), Oct. 2023 : 87pts “Figure Libre Cabernet Franc evokes a leafy bouquet with aromas of dark wild berries, violet and lead pencil. Juicy and with a medium-bodied palate, it’s tense and taut with bright acids and structuring tannins. The chalky texture leads the way to a mouthwatering finish.”
Jancis Robinson, Sept. 2023 : 17/20 “(…) A Cab Franc that gives a triple scoop of Loire fragrance and graphite minerality, South African open-hearted sweetness, and Languedoc garrigue. The tannins feel like a weave of all three places: long Loire sinews on the vertical; plush, broad African velvet on the horizontal; muscular Languedoc plaiting the two together. It's sumptuous but beautifully restrained. Long with a whispery, aromatic breath of lavender on the finish.”

Tasting notes

Pretty raspberry colour, brightened by blackcurrant highlights that immediately evoke an intense sensory experience. On the nose, the wine offers a crisp, fruity experience, reminiscent of a basket of sun-drenched wild berries. Notes of redcurrant and blackberry dominate, creating a bewitching atmosphere. On the palate, the first impression is of the vegetal characteristic of the Cabernet Franc grape yet the fruit still comes through strongly. The attack evokes a harmonious balance between freshness and liveliness. The taut mid-palate brings out notes of redcurrant and cherry, offering an elegant range of fruity flavours. The finish, marked by firm tannins, is offset by the lovely vegetal character. The recognisable notes of green pepper mingle with delicate spices, notably coriander, to create its distinctive signature and add a layer of complexity to the whole.  

Vinification process

The taste and flavours of the grapes determine the harvest date and orientate our wine making to allow the quality of the fruit to express freely in the wine - totally natural process.

Vineyards

Organic Wine certified by FR-BIO 10. - Sandstone of Brugairolles at 200m altitude.

Ageing

20% in new Oak, 20% in wooden vat and 60% in 1 and 2 year old Oak barrels - The wines are racked and bottled according to the phases of the moon and on fruit or root days.

Further information

  • Alcohol : 13%
  • Total acidity H2SO4 : 3.32 g/L
  • pH : 3.73
  • Level of sulphur : 47 mg/L
  • Residual sugar : < 0.4 g/L