French Varietals Discovery 3-Pack
France2022 Domaine Pichot 'Cote de la Biche' Chenin Blanc Vouvray, Loire Valley
This wine comes from vines situated just above the family house and winery in the prime south-east facing Valley de Nouys. Afficionados of dry Vouvray have for centuries considered the Valley de Nouys to be the best site in the appellation for drier styles of wine with great finesse. The famed vineyard of Clos Baudoin is located further down the valley barely a stones throw away. Vinified in stainless steel with about 10% of this cuvee being aged in older 400 litre barrels. 2022 is a stunning vintage for dry Vouvray yielding wines of perfume, finesse and lip-smacking freshness. Aromas of pear candied fruit and spice with hints of honey and that distinctive chalkiness that is so typical of great Vouvray. Fine, brilliantly focused flavours with exceptional texture and length this shows the tension typical of great dry Vouvray. Best vintage of this wine we have tasted. A winner - a wine to buy by the case not the bottle.
2022 Pierre Luneau-Papin 'La Grange' Muscadette, Loire Valley
One of the leading domaines of the Nantais, Pierre Luneau-Papin, hails from a long line of vignerons. The Luneau family is well established in the region; their presence here may be traced as far back as the late 17th Century and Pierre Luneau is the thirteenth generation of his family to bear the name Pierre. Pierre and Monique, his wife, are the seventh generation of vignerons to run Domaine Luneau-Papin, which was founded by Pierre's forebears in the 18th Century.
From more than thirty five year old vines grown on mica-schist in the village of Le Landreau. Hand harvested and aged on lees for 7 months. On the palate the wine is fullish, complex and beautifully focused, with solid mid-palate depth, nice framing acids and very good length on the classy finish.
2022 Domaine Metrat Morgon Gammay, Beaujolais
A new cuvee from Bernard with this being his first vintage produced. From just half a hectare of vines aged more than 70 years old facing full south on sandy granitic soil. The name is taken from from a plant that gives a red flower called Alizarine. Vinification is made all in cement tanks with 100% whole bunch and indigenous yeasts. Deep perfumed aromas with hints of violet and real depth and generosity and soft rich round tannins and exotic spices finishing fresh with balancing acidity. Drinking beautifully with fresh bright fruit and a full and deep palate backed by fine silky tannins giving this wine sufficient structure to develop for several years - but why wait when it is drinking so well now.
