Tag Archive | "Loire valley"

A pair of 2007 Whites from Loire Valley France

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.
  • 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.

Posted in French Wines, Loire Valley, ReviewsComments (0)


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