Nadège La Vignes Herbel Vin de France Vigneronne 2019, 12.5 percent, $28
Here is another natural wine from the Anjou, a little more serious than Le Vin de Jardin but just as delicious. Nadège Lelandais farms organically and biodynamically, using grapes from various plots in the area. Vigneronne is made of cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon, fermented in fiberglass vats and aged in older barrels. It’s fragrant with red fruits and cedar, and the fine tannins provide structure to the wine. (Selected by Fifi/Steven Graf)
La Famille Mosse Vin de France Cabernet Franc Vintage 2018, 13.5 percent, $32
Agnès and René Mosse, the longtime proprietors of this organically farmed estate, have been joined by Joseph and Sylvestre Mosse of the next generation. The wines continue to be superb. The Vintage cuvée is a selection of the best barrels of cabernet franc, which is given additional age in a big oak vat. It’s beautifully balanced, quite floral and structured enough to stand up to a juicy steak. (Louis/Dressner Selections, New York)
Domaine des Frères Vin de France Le Pérou 2020, 12.5 percent, $32
Domaine des Frères, a new estate, was, as its name suggests, started by two brothers, Henri and Valentin Bruneau, who both left their engineering jobs to grow grapes and make wine. They farm organically, roughly 27 acres spread through the Chinon region and take a largely hands-off approach to winemaking, adding only a small amount of sulfur dioxide, an antioxidant, at bottling. The 2020 Le Pérou, their first vintage, is fresh and alive, with flavors of red fruit and mint, along with tannins that are present but subtle. A delicious debut. (Avant-Garde Wines & Spirits, New York)
Domaine du Bel Air Bourgueil Les Marsaules 2018, 13.5 percent, $37
The Gauthier family, the longtime owners of this Bourgueil estate, farm organically. This cuvée is from Les Marsaules, a lieu-dit, or distinctive vineyard area, where the family owns about 4.5 acres. The wine ages in barrels for three years. It’s fragrant with red cherry aromas and persistent fruit flavors with a stony, mineral edge. (Polaner Selections, Mount Kisco, N.Y.)
