Dittière is an up and coming producer in the Loire Valley, especially so for the small sub-appellation of Saumur-Champigny, located in Saumur on the far eastern edge of this long river valley. Production at the estate is small, the quality of the wines is high and the price point is just right—making those who love Loire Valley Cabernet Franc clamor for these wines who sell out quickly each vintage. In 2010, Dittière took Foucault’s dedication to organic farming to heart and set out to purchase his own Loire Valley vineyard parcel. The vineyard he settled on is is a mere 3 hectare parcel (roughly 7 acres)—perfect for small production wines, made from tiny yields. Dittière farms all of the vines organically and keeps the yields very low, to make sure that every harvested grape is concentrated and flavorful. He prunes during the leaf-growing season and of course, harvests by hand when the grapes are ripe. Planted in classic Loire Valley soils of sandy, silty clay over limestone, the resulting wine possesses silky texture, a range of complex flavors and structure that is worth celebrating. In the cellar Dittière takes a very minimalist approach; the grapes for the 2012 La Porte Saint Jean are partially de-stemmed and then fermented in concrete tank, then aged on fine lees for a short eight months in two-year-old Bordeaux barrels, giving just a touch of spice, as well as a a bit of extra depth to the palate while preserving the fruit in the wine. Many say that this wine is so refined that it drinks like great Red Burgundy. Cabernet Franc is rarely this great and this wine’s true potential will be seen in time, so please be patient.