Tasting notes, New from Loire; November 2, 2019

2018 Le P’tit Berthier Sauvignon Blanc Vin de France

Loire Valley, FR

Regular Price $14.99

Sale price $11.99

Brothers Florian & Clement grow the grapes and make the wine at the estate began by their parents in 1983. Their holdings and production continue to expand, and the wines show a graceful and steady hand. This is an easy drinking and fresh sauvignon blanc with bright green pea and citrus aromas, a generous mouthfeel and crisp and cleansing acidity on the finish. 

2017 Herve Villemade ‘La Bodice’ Cheverny

Loire Valley, FR

Regular Price $41.99

Sale price $32.99

A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, this is a richer and more structured example than is typical from Cheverny. Aged in wooden vats with extensive lees contact, the wine is textural, complex and deeply flavored. Like your wine, round and full, and robust? Look no further.

2017 Domaine PInon ‘Les Trois Argiles’ Vouvray

Loire Valley, FR

Regular Price $37.99 

Sale price $29.99

This wine, of Chenin Blanc, is identified (but not labeled) as ‘demi-sec’ (semi-dry) and as is typical in Vouvray, has bountiful acidity to balance the residual sugar(RS), resulting in a plush, deep, rich, fruity and delicious wine that will delight anyone that gives it a chance. Of course, many won’t give it a chance, or will sneer at the level of RS or will pretend that they don’t like it since they find white wines to be ‘un-manly’ or something. That’s fine. More for us.

2018 l’Epicourchois Cour Cheverny

Loire Valley, FR

Regular Price $37.99 

Sale price $29.99

Romorantin is an ancient and rare local Loire variety, essentially saved by a couple of growers who fought to save their old vines as well as the variety as a whole by establishing an appellation, Cour Cheverny, to exclusively feature Romorantin. Luc Percher’s tiny plot of Romorantin sports vines of at least 100 years old, and the production of this wine is tiny. Full and dense with grip and longevity, this wine is just, really very unique as well as just, crazy good.

2016 Bonhomme KO ‘In Côt We Trust’ Touraine

Loire Valley, FR

Regular Price $36.99 

Sale price $28.99

 Malbec is known as Côt in the Loire Valley, and this wine, simply labelled: “In KO we trust” is a great example of what this  grape is capable of in this cool growing region. It is definitely not as dark, ripe or fruity as the typical Argentina offering, but what it lacks in overripe fruit and new oak it makes up for in elegant tannic structure, and an ample amount of finesse.

2017 Domaine Filliatreau ‘Le Grand Vignolle’ Saumur-Champigny

Loire Valley, FR

Regular Price $26.99 

Sale price $20.99

The name refers to the six hectare site on a plateau overlooking the Loire River. Made of 100% Cabernet Franc, the  wine is bright and juicy with red berry and herbal aromas and flavors, punctuated by bright and persistent acidity. Balanced, nuanced and welcoming, it’s far from a blockbuster, enticing with elegance rather than power.