{"id":20983,"date":"2021-05-07T12:26:44","date_gmt":"2021-05-07T10:26:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/?p=20983"},"modified":"2022-03-14T18:48:43","modified_gmt":"2022-03-14T17:48:43","slug":"from-chinon-pouilly-fume-loire-valley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/2021\/05\/07\/from-chinon-pouilly-fume-loire-valley\/","title":{"rendered":"From Chinon, Pouilly-Fum\u00e9 and C\u00f4teaux-du-Vend\u00f4mois, get in touch with a selection of wines from the Loire Valley"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"\"\"We also find a huge variety of quality wines in the core of the Loire Valley, extending on an exceptional cultural landscape, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stemming from two thousand years of history, the Loire Valley vineyard is made up of a mosaic of climates, soils and orientations, which naturally offer a great diversity of wines.<\/strong><\/div>\n
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Following the creation in 1936 of the concept of Appellation d’Origine Contr\u00f4l\u00e9e (AOC) and the National Institute of Designations of Origin (INAO) which formalized the AOC, the Loire river and its numerous tributaries play an appreciable moderating role in the actual vineyards (photo credits: M\u00e9lanie Denizot \/ Vins de Loire).<\/strong><\/div>\n
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For example, by promoting the existence of a multitude of microclimates favorable to the cultivation of vines, from the oceanic influence attenuating seasonal variations in the Nantes and Anjou vineyards, along the semi-oceanic and its naturally more marked seasonal variations in the Saumur vineyards, without forgetting that Touraine vineyard is located at the crossroads of oceanic and continental influences. We would try then to offer you an overview of this grape panorama, starting from East to West.<\/strong> By Alex Plato<\/em><\/div>\n
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..until a real Sauvignon Blanc grape.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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From the early days in nature..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Not far from from Paris<\/strong>, with a reasonable distance about 200 km, in the south-east of the Paris basin, the Pouilly-Fum\u00e9<\/strong> production area is located around the generous hills close to the Loire<\/strong> river. Also baptized the “river of the Kings<\/strong>” greatly influences this local mild climate dedicated to only one grape<\/strong> variety, baptized Sauvignon<\/strong> blanc. A specific taste that distinguishes Pouilly-Fum\u00e9<\/strong> from the sister appellation of Pouilly-sur-Loire<\/strong>, since this Pouilly-Fum\u00e9<\/strong> appellation is exclusively marked with white wines<\/strong> that are distinguished by various characteristic flinty<\/strong> aromas. A rich sensation of lively minerality<\/strong> and fruity citrus<\/strong> notes, especially if you remind that the main part of these Pouilly-Fum\u00e9<\/strong> wines need to be appreciated in their youth. However some vintages<\/strong> have a strong aging potential, and we encourage you to explore them in the quality selection of the products offered by the Ch\u00e2teau de Tracy<\/strong>, the Domaine Didier Dagueneau<\/strong> or the Domaine Michel Redde et Fils<\/strong>.<\/p>\nngg_shortcode_1_placeholder<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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..in the heart of these traditional villages.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Vineyards have always been anchored..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In a way, that’s a logical fact for this terroir steeped in history, since it’s perhaps one of the oldest French<\/strong> vintages with apparently first historical traces visible already back in the 5th century. Thus, in the Middle Ages<\/strong>, the local Benedictines<\/strong> promoted the benefits of this fine wine<\/strong>, but it was at the end of the 18th century that a real commercial success began, supported by its ability to match with many dishes of French gastronomy <\/strong>(photo credits: Pouilly-Fum\u00e9<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

In fact, it’s a worth representative asset to start discovering these dry white wines<\/strong>, notably full of aromas<\/strong> enhanced by the variety of a surprising surrounding terroir<\/strong><\/em>. Proud of a cellaring<\/strong> potential of around 5 years among many wines<\/strong>, this Pouilly-Fum\u00e9<\/strong> philosophy would then naturally and logically vary following its inner tasting qualities and its maturity potential. As far as we know, most of the Pouilly-Fum\u00e9<\/strong> wines easily match with your delicious seafood<\/strong> and fish<\/strong> diners, but also with fine  goat cheeses<\/strong>.<\/div>\n
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..has its role to play!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Every natural element..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the heart of Bouchot<\/strong>, an old Pouillyssois<\/strong> wine-growing village, Gilles Chollet<\/strong> took over from his father in 1986. Joined by his son S\u00e9verin<\/strong> in 2010, this Domaine Chollet<\/strong><\/a> cultivates nowadays a vineyard<\/strong> covering 11.5 ha. Pursuing the Chollet<\/strong> family adventure initiated by Roland Chollet<\/strong> and his wife Simone<\/strong>, who started from nothing, their own domain to produce their premium wine<\/strong> range in Pouilly-sur-Loire<\/strong>, in the Ni\u00e8vre<\/strong> department (photo credits: Domaine Chollet).<\/p>\n

For information, from the Chasselas<\/strong> grape variety, these fresh wines from Pouilly-sur-Loire<\/strong> perfectly match with any kind of occasion. Made from the authentic Sauvignon<\/strong> grape, this dry and fruity white wine <\/strong>of Pouilly Fum\u00e9<\/strong> produced there, is muchly regarded generous. Restoring the inimitable taste of the Pouilly<\/strong> terroir, thanks to its regular and explicit aromas of citrus<\/strong> and exotic<\/strong> fruits, all melt into a typical minerality<\/strong>!<\/p>\nngg_shortcode_2_placeholder\n

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..until these countless blossoming buds.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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From an autumn view on the village of Pouilly-sur-Loire..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As far as we know, it is in Pouilly-sur-Loire<\/strong> that the Sauvignon<\/strong> grape variety develops as much as possible this unparalleled complexity and aromatic palette<\/strong><\/em>, leading to a first nectar appearing in 1960, in Bouchot<\/strong> for the Chollet<\/strong> family. Produced with the greatest respect for their ancestral terroir<\/strong><\/em>, it succeeded to obtain no less than 15 medals (5 Gold, 10 Silver, 5 Bronze) at the Concours G\u00e9n\u00e9ral de Paris<\/strong> and Macon<\/strong>, in about 20 years.<\/p>\n

Then in 1980, Gilles Chollet<\/strong> acquired new vines<\/strong> and extended the wine<\/strong> estate, by perpetuating this family spirit, covering nowadays approximately 12 and a half hectares over 2 municipalities and for an annual production of nearly 800 hectoliters of wine<\/strong>. Still granted here by the illustrious Appellation d’Origine Contr\u00f4l\u00e9e<\/strong> and since 1937, let’s get into their range of white wines from the Ni\u00e8vre<\/strong>, all in perfect harmony with their native vines<\/strong>, while promoting sustainable practices that respect soils<\/strong>, the balance of the plants<\/strong> and above all their surrounding environment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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..before reaching a greener configuration at springtime.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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From a chalky configuration of those millenary soils..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This is naturally why their vineyard<\/strong> has been certified High Environmental Value<\/strong> (HVE3) in 2020, orienting towards a certain responsible and organic farming<\/strong>. By the way, one of the peculiarities of their estate is to vinify their terroirs<\/strong><\/em> separately, still in the respect of the inner characteristics of their juices<\/strong> plus their various tasting assets<\/strong>. Indeed, their vinification<\/strong> is operated in a similar way, as naturally as possible, and in identical containers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

It’s not a mystery that for more than 60 years, this Domaine Chollet<\/strong> has succeeded to develop of the most famous wines<\/strong> of the Loire Valley<\/strong>, with the support of 3 main types of terroir <\/strong><\/em>and soils<\/strong>, those are argilo-siliceous<\/strong><\/em> (the siliceous<\/strong> clay that initiates early and gourmet<\/strong> wines, ready to be tasted early), clay-limestone<\/strong> (Caillottes<\/em>, which gives birth to fresh and fruity cuv\u00e9es<\/strong><\/em>) and Kimmeridgian Marls<\/strong> (Terres Blanches<\/em>, memories of some fossilized Jurassic<\/strong> shells, which generate intense flavors of exotic<\/strong> fruits, a beautiful minerality<\/strong> and even a superb structure<\/strong>).<\/p>\n

“Be in harmony with your vines<\/strong> and promote practices that respect the life of the soil, the balance of the plant and the environment. Organic farming is the key. Developping a wine<\/strong> is a nice way to be creative, respectful of the environment, only in the generosity of the aromas<\/strong> of the cuv\u00e9es<\/strong><\/em> which will nourish convivial moments of tasting. By letting the terroir express itself as naturally as possible, we maintain the reputation of creating the best Sauvignon<\/strong> in the world.” admits S\u00e9verin Chollet<\/strong>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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..and a balance between tradition and modernity.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Some technology is always useful to maintain these plots..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At first sight, let’s start with the tasting of AOP Pouilly Fum\u00e9 Tradition 2020<\/strong> cuv\u00e9e<\/em> , which may be easily regarded as a loyal illustration of the expression of Sauvignon Blanc<\/strong>. Cautiously fed with organic fertilizers, those pulpy grapes<\/strong> (of average age of 35 years) are then mechanically harvested on their native clay-limestone<\/strong> and siliceous<\/strong> subsoils, essentially starring marl with small oysters<\/strong>, limestone from Villiers<\/strong> and sands from the nearby Loire<\/strong> river. Thus, this framework offers some minerality<\/strong> and a vinification<\/strong> in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats<\/strong>, before an aging<\/strong> between 3 to 5 months on fine lees<\/strong>, supported a with regular stirring<\/strong>. Once you open this flacon<\/em>, enjoy its brilliant golden<\/strong> robe, displaying its fragrance<\/strong> of fresh citrus fruits<\/strong> (grapefruit, lemon), completed with a mineral<\/strong> and exotic<\/strong> touch. Then, admire the frank sensation developing inside your palate, sharing generous and fresh aromas of grapefruit<\/strong> with a peppery<\/strong> touch.<\/p>\n

We recommend to store this wine<\/strong> 4 years and offer it within a serving temperature between 11 and 13\u00b0C, as an aperitif<\/strong> or to accompany any kind of seafood<\/strong> dishes or a goat cheese<\/strong> platter.<\/p>\n

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..and those vines aged here of more than 30 years.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Aromas that can last some time, like this candle..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For instance, have a look at the Pouilly Fum\u00e9<\/strong> untitled Les Terres Blanches 2020<\/strong>, a cuv\u00e9e<\/strong><\/em> coming from these previous Kimmeridgian Marls<\/strong>, recognizable by the thousands of small comma-shaped oyster shells<\/strong> (ostrea virgula<\/em>), and enjoying a very beautiful Eastern\/Northern East exposure<\/strong>. Following the prestigious example of a Grand Cru<\/strong>, the aging potential of this wine<\/strong> may undoubtedly be from 8 to 10 years, then to be discovered over the years, due to a huge potential of evolution.<\/p>\n

In the first years, it is above all the fruit of Sauvignon Blanc<\/strong> which expresses itself with a more discreet terroir<\/strong><\/em> aspect. Time after time, this charming ensemble<\/em><\/strong> becomes more homogeneous, through the real expression of the true personality of its related terroir<\/em><\/strong> expresses due to the rich aromatic palette of Sauvignon<\/strong>. A great wedding with scallops<\/strong> in risotto<\/em><\/strong>, and obviously seafood<\/strong> dishes.<\/p>\n

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..after the protection of these vats.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Those Sables<\/strong> cuv\u00e9es <\/em>is ready..<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Adding to this, we shall focus on Les Sables<\/strong>, where the sunny grapes of Sauvignon<\/strong> happily grow on a very small plot<\/strong> mostly composed of sands<\/strong>. A territory composed of a fine sandy<\/strong> soil, South-Eastern<\/strong> oriented, able to quickly heat up at the slightest rays of sunshine and is then, particularly precocious.<\/p>\n

A terroir<\/strong><\/em> able to offer to this charming Pouilly-Fum\u00e9<\/strong> juice a balanced tenderness between minerality and freshness to this 2020 cuv\u00e9e<\/em><\/strong>, to appreciate between 2021 and 2025. A perfect period to feel its refined palate, full of acacia<\/strong>, honeysuckle<\/strong>, pear<\/strong> and peach<\/strong> notes. An ideal combination to marry with green asparagus<\/strong>, snacked scallops <\/strong>and even some aged goat cheese<\/strong>. Icing on the cake, this wine was recently granted by a Silver<\/strong> Medal<\/strong> at the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

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..along some fumes to protect against freezing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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A limpid juice that took time to mature..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Last but not least, another Silver<\/strong> Medal<\/strong> of the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon<\/strong>, discover Les Caillottes 2020<\/strong> which evolve on some limestone<\/strong> slopes, located on the Vaurigny<\/strong> hills, on the northern part of Pouilly-sur-Loire<\/strong>. Naturally enriched with a really accomplished aromatic<\/strong> and complex<\/strong> palette<\/em>, this wine<\/strong> offers very fine aromas<\/strong>, especially made of white<\/strong> and citrus fruits<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

A lovely ensemble<\/em> that shares a seductive and subtle intensity<\/strong> for this premium Pouilly-Fum\u00e9<\/strong> that stands out with its high expression of Sauvignon Blanc<\/strong>. This delicious nectar, embodied of sensuality, would exactly marry with some fried<\/strong> dishes from the Loire<\/strong> river and all grilled<\/strong> fish<\/strong> in general, including gambas<\/strong> and of course Crottin de Chavignol<\/strong>. We recommend it to store it between 5 and 7 years at maximum.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

More information on the official website<\/strong><\/a>.<\/div>\n
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..and the crowns of vines.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Leaves both decorate bottles..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Owned by the Assay<\/strong> family, the enigmatic Ch\u00e2teau de Tracy<\/strong><\/a> is one of the emblems of the Pouilly-Fum\u00e9<\/strong> appellation in the heart of the Loire Valley<\/strong> wines.  Therefore, overlooking the endless Loire<\/strong> river, the 33 hectares of this vineyard<\/strong> are exclusively devoted to the majestic Sauvignon Blanc<\/strong> grape, of which the domain has made its specialty.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

In order to develop a rich and complex nectar<\/strong>, the production stands on different types of soils<\/strong>, between a slight flavor of blackcurrant<\/strong> emerging from the limestone Champs du Cri<\/strong> territory. Therefore, a vegetal touch present in the flint<\/strong> spirit of the Butte de Tracy<\/strong>, along clay<\/strong> and even marl<\/strong> both display a narcissus<\/strong> touch. This unexpected alloy allows a selection of several impregnated cuv\u00e9es<\/strong><\/em> representing each of these different terroirs<\/strong><\/em> full of various expressions, which are regarded as fine classics of this famous appellation <\/strong>(photos credits: Tracy). <\/div>\n
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..until the alley signal.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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From the bottle label..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For your information, the Ch\u00e2teau de Tracy<\/strong> stands on 33 hectares, spread on a rocky outcrop<\/strong> overlooking the Valley<\/strong>. The sustainable<\/strong> commitment of the domain lead to an honorable HVE<\/strong> (High Environmental Value) label, granted in 2014, recognizing the virtuous philosophy<\/strong> and cultivation methods respectful of natural balances.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

To better illustrate this feeling of this bucolic Ch\u00e2teau de Tracy<\/strong>, why don’t you try as soon as possible the relatively dry vintage<\/strong> of 2019? This elegant golden juice<\/strong>, as well adorned with silvery reflections, would offer you an harmonious, floral but complex texture inherent to these delicious Sauvignon Blanc<\/strong> flavors. Starting from a fresh fragrance<\/strong>, a fruity aromatic<\/strong> touch would then eventually dominate in terms of gustative sensations.<\/div>\n
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If you have a fine one, you would surely feel evident gourmet<\/strong> notes of kiwi and rhubarb, before a long saline<\/strong> mineral and chalky<\/strong> finish. As seen before, we highly recommend you to preferably appreciate this wine<\/strong>, before 2023 and served at a temperature of 10\u00b0C, to either accompany a seafood<\/strong> platter or some goat<\/strong> cheese.<\/div>\n
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More information on the official website<\/strong><\/a>.<\/div>\n
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\"\"\"\"We pursue our Loire Valley<\/strong> tour with the charming C\u00f4teaux-du-Vend\u00f4mois<\/strong>, located between Vend\u00f4me<\/strong> and Montoire<\/strong> territories, covering 150 hectares of silty and stony plateaus<\/strong>. Furthermore, these vines extend over the upstream part of the Loir<\/strong> area, mainly standing on limestone<\/strong> slopes on both sides of the river.<\/div>\n
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On the same historical mood of Pouilly-Fum\u00e9<\/strong>, the C\u00f4teaux-du-Vend\u00f4mois<\/strong> vineyards may be dated back as early as the 10th century, notably in Villedieu<\/strong>. It is also said that King Henri IV<\/strong> was a high enthusiast of these wines<\/strong>, not far from his favorite castles<\/strong>, notably counting on those from the Domaine de Pr\u00e9patour<\/strong>, in Naveil<\/strong>. <\/div>\n
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\"\"\"\"In this prolific appellation, don’t miss an eclectic production, composed of white, red and ros\u00e9s wines<\/strong>. This wide range was luckily made possible thanks to various grape<\/strong> varieties available in this territory, such as Cabernet Franc<\/strong>, Cabernet Sauvignon<\/strong>, C\u00f4t<\/strong>, Gamay<\/strong>, Chenin<\/strong> and Pineau d’Aunis<\/strong>. Therefore, the latter grape<\/strong> variety is often vinified in gray wines<\/strong>, while the majority of these C\u00f4teaux-du-Vend\u00f4mois<\/strong> nectars have generally to be tasted as much as possible in their youth.<\/div>\n
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Then, with the wish to offer you some basic samples from this C\u00f4teaux-du-Vend\u00f4me<\/strong>, organized around a winery<\/strong> cooperative for more production efficiency. For your information, many of the juices<\/strong> produced in the zone, are composed of the noble and popular Pineau d’Aunis<\/strong> grape variety (photo credits: C\u00f4teaux du Vend\u00f4mois). <\/div>\n
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..visible during the open house<\/strong> days of 2019.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Just admire this sample of plural artworks<\/strong>..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This endemic grape variety<\/strong> has been originally coming from some regional vineyards<\/strong>, mostly located around the Priory<\/strong> of Aunis<\/strong> (near Saumur<\/strong>), back from the 11th century.  It’s not a mystery that this Chenin Blanc<\/strong> affiliate species has much expanded a lot in Vend\u00f4mois<\/strong>, since the beginning of the 20th century and represents nowadays the grape<\/strong> speciality from the C\u00f4teaux-du-Vend\u00f4mois<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

As far as we know, the majority of Pineau d’Aunis<\/strong> wines are notably characterized by explicit spicy<\/strong> notes, able to display a wide range of peppery<\/strong> aromas, along other types of spices<\/strong>, such as cardamom<\/strong>.<\/div>\n
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Cave Coop\u00e9rative du Vend\u00f4mois<\/strong><\/a> \/ 60 Av. du Petit Thouars, 41100 Villiers-sur-Loir (France) \/ Phone : 00 33 (0)2 54 72 90 69. More details about their wine selection on their official website<\/strong><\/a> <\/div>\n
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\"\"\"\"In this case, the Cuv\u00e9e Prestige<\/strong> elaborated by the C\u00f4teaux-du-Vend\u00f4mois<\/strong> fully embodies the spirit of Pineau d’Aunis<\/strong>, thanks to its 50 year old vines, situated under a fabulous climate facing the Loir<\/strong> river.<\/div>\n
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Don’t also miss here that Pineau d’Aunis<\/strong> is mixed with Cabernet Franc<\/strong>, characterized by a pretty structure, despite their vinification<\/strong> is operated separately. Then, after an aging in vats<\/strong> between 6 and 8 months, this blending would naturally reveal a beautiful aromatic<\/strong> complexity, for a final a deep and brilliant ruby<\/strong> dress. <\/div>\n
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After feeling its charming and spicy fragrance full of black fruits<\/strong> (cherry or blackcurrant), you would easily enjoy intense flavors, ranking from a cardamom<\/strong> and black<\/strong> pepper<\/strong> wedding, strong of silky tannins<\/strong> for a full length. Perfect to match with spicy<\/strong> diners and eventually goat<\/strong> cheeses (ex: Saint Moorus<\/strong>).<\/div>\n
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More information on the official website<\/strong><\/a> of the cooperative.<\/div>\n
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..from a fertile 2019 year.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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A red millesime<\/em> to discover..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Still in red<\/strong> category, the wines of Patrice Colin<\/strong><\/a> are worth it too. This authentic wine<\/strong> enthusiast, attached to share his own vision of Vend\u00f4me<\/strong> wines, while pursuing a family heritage started in 1735 and reinforced in the early 1900s by his ancestor Emilien Colin<\/strong> who developed this domain (photo credits: C\u00f4teaux du Vend\u00f4mois).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

By the way, this red<\/strong> cuv\u00e9e<\/em> is baptized in honored to this local personality<\/strong>, supported by very old vines<\/strong> displaying the maturity of an elegant Pineau d’Aunis<\/strong>, grown in an organic vineyard and followed by a non-interventionist vinification<\/strong>. Enhanced of bewitching notes of cherries<\/strong> and raspberries<\/strong> carried by a pretty peppery<\/strong> hint, we appreciate here a structured wine<\/strong> whose tannins<\/strong> are elegant and the finish<\/strong> is very fresh. In this case, this 2019<\/strong> millesime<\/em> delivers a very nice fruity<\/strong> roundness. We recommend to appreciate it until 2024, preferably on grills<\/strong> and goat cheeses<\/strong>.<\/div>\n
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More information on the official website<\/strong><\/a> and on the plateform<\/strong><\/a> of the cooperative.<\/div>\n
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\"\"\"\"Then, if you are more into ros\u00e9 wines<\/strong>, why don’t you get bewitched by a rich heritage from the past, developed in the Lieu-dit Cocagne<\/strong>. This amazing wine may find its roots from a small set of unique vines<\/strong> located in sunny hills, located in Lunay<\/strong> on the edges of the charming Loir<\/strong> river. <\/div>\n
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For your information, the local winegrowers<\/strong> are proud to enhance this natural wealth visible in a semi-troglodyte<\/strong> hamlet, pierced with dozens of cellars stuck into the rock. Then, a smart use of prophylactic<\/strong> methods (including plug-in, stripping) provoke some interesting natural reactions, in order to regulate the production, in the framework of a reasoned<\/strong> agriculture (photo credits: C\u00f4teaux du Vend\u00f4mois). <\/div>\n
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Once harvested, the fermentation of this precious juice<\/strong> may start in thermo-regulated<\/strong> stainless steel tanks, prior a rest on lees<\/strong> during a period of 3 to 4 months. Those are the necessary steps to feel this very intense nose on strawberry<\/strong> and citrus<\/strong> notes, before a balanced evolution in mouth through major tones of fresh red fruits<\/strong> (strawberry, currant) and spices<\/strong>. At last, a round and fresh finish to gather with inspired salads<\/strong> and any type of barbecue<\/strong> moments. <\/div>\n
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More information on the official website<\/strong><\/a> of the cooperative.<\/div>\n
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..to make those ready for you.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Some horses help for vineyards..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Still in these C\u00f4teaux du Vend\u00f4mois<\/strong>, you could be satisfied with a sparkling wine<\/strong>. The Charme aux Dames<\/strong> is elaborated with the respect of the illustrious traditional method, thanks to prolific vines located in the microclimate of the troglodyte<\/strong> town of Villiers-sur-Loir<\/strong>. This is where the tasty Chenin<\/strong> grape variety, the same as in Vouvray<\/strong>, Montlouis<\/strong> and Saumur<\/strong> appellations, develops there in a good harmony, providing to this Charme aux Dames<\/strong> a very original typicity (photo credits: C\u00f4teaux du Vend\u00f4mois).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Blended with Chardonnay<\/strong>, this smooth sparkling wine is supported by a favorable calcareous soil<\/strong>, composed of clay<\/strong> and pink<\/strong>, for a cuv\u00e9e<\/em><\/strong> full of surprises and complexity, combining the freshness of Chenin<\/strong> and kind fruitiness of some Chardonnay<\/strong>. Thereafter, its fine bubbles<\/strong> offer an intense and fine foam<\/strong>, which reveals a very aromatic<\/strong> nose of fresh red fruits<\/strong>, nuanced with some dried fruits<\/strong>.<\/div>\n
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Adding to this, this ideal companion for bubbly<\/strong> diners lets arise a fresh taste of light strawberry<\/strong>, dried fruits<\/strong> and even some fig<\/strong> notes, to combine in a cocktail<\/strong> time, with smooth tapas<\/strong> or chocolate<\/strong> cakes. <\/div>\n
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More information on the official website<\/strong><\/a> of the cooperative.<\/div>\n
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..or just enjoy the panorama?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Would you prefer these wines..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Installed since the early eighteenth century in Thor\u00e9-la-Rochette<\/strong>, the Creuzet<\/strong> family offers with their Caves-aux-Caux<\/strong><\/a> domain, a range of quality wines<\/strong> produced in the respect of a certain local Vend\u00f4me<\/strong> tradition. Through eighteen different cuv\u00e9es<\/strong><\/em> (dry white, semi-dry white, soft white, syrupy white, gray and semi-dry ros\u00e9…), this original domain<\/strong> tends to sweep as much as possible towards an entire range of flavors<\/strong>, thanks to a series of wines<\/strong> suitable for all kinds of convivial moments (aperitif, meal, etc.). <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Those various wines are luckily vinified<\/strong> with their natural yeasts and with the minimum inputs. On top of that, their vinification<\/strong> and bottling are also performed by a maximum relation with the lunar<\/strong> calendar in order to promote the aromatic<\/strong> expression of those wines<\/strong>. In parallel, as always looking for more quality and authenticity, no sulfites<\/strong> nor other types of conservatives are added in their juices<\/strong>, since 2017.<\/div>\n
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\"\"\"\"Adding to this sustainable viticulture<\/strong>, a natural fermentation of wines is nowadays operated. Therefore, there is no insecticidal<\/strong> treatment on their last campaigns, apart sometimes a fungal<\/strong> protection. <\/div>\n
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That’s why, a small vine<\/strong> plot of Pineau D’Aunis<\/strong>, aged of over a hundred years, has been handly cultivated and harvested, along  the precious help of a draft horse<\/strong>, now for some years. This original and ancestral process gave birth to their Trotte Putain<\/strong> grey wine<\/strong>, related to its plot name, conveying to a pretty dry but mineral juice<\/strong>, longered with some peppered<\/strong> and spicy<\/strong> notes. At last, we recommend to marry this elixir with cold meats, pancakes, grills and again goat cheese (photo credits: Cave aux Caux).<\/div>\n
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More information on the official website<\/strong><\/a>.<\/div>\n
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..a fire to protect against freeze.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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A warm welcome there versus..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Are you familiar with family affairs? The wine<\/strong> house Couly-Dutheil<\/strong><\/a> has been creating wines<\/strong>, since in 1921, proving a long and patient quest for quality.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

This time, we find ourselves in the Chinon<\/strong> terroir<\/em>, ideally located in a semi-oceanic<\/strong> climate, where Cabernet-Franc<\/strong> is king. Adding to this, a variety of soils<\/strong> express through three privileged terroirs<\/em> (made of gravel, clay-siliceous and clay-limestone), all organized around the Vienne<\/strong> river. When it comes from denser soils such as limestone<\/strong> hillsides, more structured wines<\/strong> would arise and suitable for long storage<\/strong>.<\/div>\n
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These vineyards<\/strong> are fortunately cultivated with a kind respect of nature<\/strong>, essentially within a complete grassing of the vineyard, leaf stripping, low yields, among many other smart behaviors. Perfect to express the generosity of the major varieties of the domain, so to say Cabernet-Franc<\/strong> and Chenin Blanc<\/strong>. <\/div>\n
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\"\"\"\"For example, we are glad to introduce their Cuv\u00e9e Chinon Ros\u00e9<\/strong>, fully composed of this Cabernet-Franc<\/strong> variety, elevated in fertile alluvial sandy terraces, fed by the Vienne<\/strong> river (photo credits: Couly-Dutheil). <\/div>\n
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The result is a pinky<\/strong> wine announcing a delicious and fruity nose of currants<\/strong> and citrus<\/strong>, before a delicate slightly spicy<\/strong> taste in mouth. It’s possible that the maceration<\/strong> of around 12 hours, along a fermentation<\/strong> of the musts, provides this addictive expression, possibly to match with some roasted asparagus<\/strong>, along fresh salads<\/strong>, or any kind of exotic<\/strong> dishes and grills<\/strong>. <\/div>\n
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More information on the official website<\/strong><\/a>.<\/div>\n
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We also find a huge variety of quality wines in the core of the Loire…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":21114,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24,884],"tags":[1048,868,1047,1046,1049,409],"class_list":["post-20983","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gastronomy","category-loire-valley","tag-coteaux-du-vendomois","tag-loire-valley","tag-nievre","tag-pouilly-fume","tag-vendome","tag-wine"],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20983","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20983"}],"version-history":[{"count":76,"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20983\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28016,"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20983\/revisions\/28016"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21114"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20983"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20983"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20983"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}