Before entering the wine trade in the late 19th century in Sables d’Olonne, the Mourat family were salt makers on the Ile de Ré. In 1974, Jean Mourat founded Vignobles Mourat when he purchased Château Marie de Fou in Mareuil. Jean's son, Jérémie, took over J. Mourat in 2000, and has been working diligently to raise the profile of his region, the Fiefs Vendéens. Fiefs Vendéens is the westernmost region of the Loire Valley, only 20 km from the Atlantic Ocean and an hour south of Nantes. Because of its proximity to the ocean, the Atlantic is the dominant climactic influence, providing for cold, wet winters, cool and cloudy spring, and warm, humid, sunny summers. J. Mourat's vineyards are located on hillsides overlooking the Lay Valley grown on volcanic and schist soils. Since taking over in 2000, Jérémie has converted to organic farming and working naturally in the cellar while championing the traditions of this ancient winemaking region.

The J. Mourat Rouge Collection is a blend of equal parts Pinot Noir, Gamay and Cabernet Franc from vines aged 15 to over 30 years old. After harvest, the fruit is destemmed, then crushed and fermented with 8 days of pump-overs in stainless steel. The resulting wine is bright, fresh and juicy with lots of cherry and raspberry fruit flavors, a subtle earthiness and intriguing floral nuance. Enjoy with light meat dishes, roasted vegetables and cured meats.