Union Vignerons: St Pourcain 'La Ficelle' Rouge 2025

Wine Type: Red

Grape(s): Gamay, Pinot Noir

Country: France

Region: Saint-Pourçain, Loire Valley

Organic: No

Vegan: No

ABV: 12.5%

Winery: Thirty years ago the pioneering Cave Co-opérative at Saint-Pourçain had the fun idea (perhaps inspired by Mouton-Rothschild) of asking a different comic artist to illustrate their red wine bottle every vintage. The common theme throughout the series has been the 'La Ficelle' reference, which denotes the section of knotted string that was dipped into your bottle by a waiter to determine how much you should be charged for that evening's consumption.

The 2025 bottle has been designed by cartoonist Giemsi, aka Jean-Marc Couchet. He was picked by 2024's illustrator, Gab, who begins a drawing which the new artist must complete. In 2025's illustration, the character on the right says to the wine bottle on the left: "All these years together... and never a single headache." 

Made from a blend of (predominantly) Gamay and Pinot Noir (about 30%) grown on silica and granite soils (Gamay) and limestone-clay (Pinot Noir), it's a self-proclaimed 'Vin de Soif' that is delicious when lightly-chilled. A terrific Summer red for picnics, barbecues and impromptu garden gatherings.

Winemaking: A direct pressing of machine harvested grapes, from 25+ year old vines grown on gravel, are vinified in modern, thermo-regulated stainless steel vats with a 7-day maceration prior to an early spring bottling. 

Tasting Notes: Designed for early drinking, this Saint-Pourçain red wine is a supple blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir. It displays raspberry and violet aromas followed by light, redcurrant fruit on the palate.

Food pairing: The ideal accompaniment for soft cheeses and charcuterie.