It is 1900, and phylloxera threatens to destroy the wine industry in Europe. The winegrowers in the village of Pougny on the Loire are facing the ruins of their existence. Their vineyards have been attacked by the pest, and the vines have slowly but surely died. Hope comes in the form of resistant rootstocks from the New World. The package is labeled “Chicago” in large letters. The place from which the plants were sent. Has the anxiety come to an end, and can the winegrowing families save their vineyards?

125 years later, we know how the story ends. The vines thrived because phylloxera was unable to harm the American rootstocks. The growing areas recovered, and the wines from the Center Loire are in great demand today. In the small growing region of Coteaux du Giennois, one vineyard is a reminder of the rescued vines. It has always been called Chicago and produces a wine whose freshness and cheerfulness reflect the winegrowers' relief at being saved from ruin. It is a cuvée of Gamay and Pinot Noir. The grapes were harvested by hand and fermented as whole bunches. The result is aromatic, juicy, light and lively ... and really good value.

The wine is light red in color. The nose is fragrant and fresh with aromas of cherries, blackberries and strawberries. It is juicy on the palate with a lively acidity and supple tannins. An excellent spring-summer red wine.