For many wine drinkers, the Loire Valley region of France holds a special place on their palette as it has a history steeped in churning out wines that are truly world-class and very unique to that region. Like many parts of the “old world”, Loire Valley wineries started off as small, family-owned business – many of which still thrive to this day.
There are a few key grapes that do very well in this region, including;
Cabernet Franc
Chardonnay
Chenin Blanc
Gamay
Grolleau
Malbec
Melon de Bourgogne
Pineau d’Aunis
Pinot Gris
Pinot Noir
Romorantin
Sauvignon Blanc
2007 Domaine La Grange Tiphaine Clef de Sol – W.E.P. 90%
- Appellation : Montlouis sur loire
- Category : Blanc Sec
- Vintage : 2005
- Variety : Chenin
- Soil : clay and silica resting on limestone
- Vine age : 80 years
- Harvest date : (handpicked in harvest cases)
- First and second sortings the 8, 9 and 12 October 2005
- Vinification and aging : Long alcoholic fermentation in barrels without yeast. Raised on lees without racking until the bottling. The goal is to get a gentle oxygenation.
- Bottling : August the 30th 2006
- Price: $8
Nose: Obvious oak from the strong vanilla notes and marshmallows. Layers of cantelope, honeydew and limestone with slight notes of blue stone.
Taste: An almost bubbly wine that brings cascading layers of vanilla, fresh melons, green apples and good acids. A decent, clean finish with good acidity, that can come across a bit hot – chilling the wine would mellow that out a bit.
2007 La Garrelière Cendrillon W.E.P. Rating: 90%
- 85% Sauvignon Blanc 15% Chenin
- Vines: 25yrs old
- Soil: Sandy and flakey
- Alcohol: 13.9%
- PH: 3.51
- Total Acidity: .70
- Residual SUgar: 3.3g
- Pressed for 4 hours
- 2 months slow fermentation
- Price: $20
Nose: Banana peel, apricots, river stones, kiwi and marshmallows.
Taste: Smooth tropical fruits on the front palate – mango, bananna and apricots. A nice mineral mid-back palate transition with some nice notes of lemons and kiwi as it slides down the hatch. The finish is very acidic, with tons of sour grapefruit and sour-patch kids.
