Loire

The grapes for this basic cuvée of Sancerre are sourced from the vineyards in Bué, Vinon and Crézancy. After harvest, fermentation is done in stainless steel cuves at temperatures between 14 and 18 degrees Celsius. As with all the whites at the domaine, this wine sits in contact with the fine lies for a considerable period of time with the racking being done late in the spring following harvest. The first bottling occurs no earlier than July and frequently does not occur until September of the year following harvest.

-Importer notes (Rosenthal)

Clos des Briords is located on the hillsides of the river Maine, a tributary of the Loire. The site totals 4.40 hectares and the vines were planted between 1950 and 1989, with the vast majority between 50 and 70 years old. These are the oldest vines of the estate and planted on soils of "granite de Thébaud"

100% Melon de Bourgogne. Classic Muscadet on granite. The core of the "La Pépie" Sur Lie bottling is the 10-hectare heart of the Pépière estate, which is part of the Clisson cru in the tiny commune of Pépière near the winery; there is also a portion of purchased fruit from a nearby organic farmer friend in the mix. Pépière's farming is certified-biodynamic and the harvest by hand. The bunches are direct-pressed and the juice settled for 12 hours. It is fermented in stainless steel tanks with natural yeasts; the wine is aged on its lees for 6-8 months in large, underground, glass-lined cement tanks. It is bottled without filtration. 

-Importer notes

This comes from vines averaging 20 years old growing in the communes of Couffy, Seigy and Chateauvieux just south of the Cher River, a major tributary of the Loire. The Loire Valley is an open window to the Atlantic, blessing the region with clement weather. L’Aumonier’s soils range from tufa hillsides rich in clay and limestone to flatter sites of flint and clay, sand and clay, and silt and clay. Ferments are typically spontaneous (the occasional difficult tank may get a dose of neutral yeast) and the wine is raised in tank. There's no fining during élevage and only a light filtration at bottling. Production averages 8,500 cases.

Note that during warmer harvests, they do their harvesting at night to retain as much freshness in the grapes as possible. Certified organic and biodynamic

-Importer notes (Vintage 59)

Appellation: Saumur AOP

Grapes: 100% Chenin Blanc

Average Vine Age: 17-years-old

Altitude: 200 feet (60m)

Soils/Terroir: From the ‘Les Rouères’ vineyard on sandy clay and limestone soils.

Farming: Practicing Organic

Harvest: Hand harvested

Yield: 30 hl/ha

Winemaking: The grapes were hand harvested and gently pressed upon arrival in the cellar. After one night of cold settling the juice was transferred to used 400L French oak barrels (40%), and a new 12hl Vicard oak vat for fermentation. The fermentation began spontaneously using only the naturally occurring indigenous yeasts. No battonage is done and the wine completes malolactic fermentation.

Maturation: Aged 12 months in used 400L French oak barrels (40%), and a new 12hl Vicard oak vat. 1 month before bottling the juice was transferred to stainless-steel tanks and a low dose of sulfur added.

-Importer notes

Domaine Durand is a family estate in the Loire Valley & Sancerre where three generations of winegrowers work together, allying experience, tradition and modernity. Their philosophy is to offer high-quality, authentic wines that are respectful and representative of their appellation. Planted on calcareous sediment, rich in shells and little oysters, the Kimmeridgian limestone terroir gives this old vine Sauvignon Blanc its true identity.

Tasting Notes: Vibrant, pale gold color. Subtle aromas of citrus and white flowers along with delicate mineral notes. The palate is fruity and full-bodied. Remarkably balanced with finesse.

Serve With: Excellent with cheese, especially nutty-flavored aged cheese. Pairs well with poultry, seafood, such as grilled trout, salmon, and shrimp, or with mixed salad with olive oil and chevre.

Importer notes (Hand Picked Selections)