Gilles Tamagnan
Domaine des Pierrettes, Sens', Loire Valley, 2023
White$20
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The ideal "everyday" Sancerre substitute, nothing less! This wine’s fragrance delivers delicate mix scents of citrus, white flowers, and a superb minerality. The flavors are complex, balanced with a refreshing acidity, and a stunning minerality that lingers. Sen’s expresses its terroir of flintstone in a gorgeous fashion! Vegan wine: using diatomaceous earth (mineral based compound) for finning. Organic by French standard, and HVE certified. Only CeleriersCellar.com sells this wine in the U.S.
12.50%
10-30 years old
HVE certified winery, in biological conversion. Natural irrigation, no watering or water retention system. Winter pruning is done by hand, and is over by march. They apply the "one bra" cut, leaving 3 to 4 coursons maximum in order to keep lesser but better and bigger grapes.
The wood cut stays between the rows and is crushed to favorize soil fertilization. The first trellising of vines is done in April. intensive weeds/grass cutting/grinding are being held until June/July. Since the Domaine is in Biological conversion, all treatments are certified natural. The fewer the better. In September, samples of fruits are tested to define which parcels are being harvested. The harvest is done mechanically at the beginning of September and early in the morning (4am to 10am). The Sauvignon needs to be harvested fast and at cool temperature to preserve its quality.
Grapes are pressed in a pneumatic press with a gentle program to extract the most qualitative juice. The fermentation process is run in thermoregulated vats for 2 to 3 weeks. As soon as the fermentation is finished, the wine is prepared and bottled as soon as possible so it will keep fully its fruity qualities.
Sauvignon Blanc
3,300 cases
Loire Valley
The 2023 vintage in the Loire Valley, including Touraine, is described as a "complicated vintage," with a mix of challenges and successes. The growing season started well, but saw challenges with mildew, rain, and rot, particularly impacting Chenin Blanc, while leaving Sauvignon Blanc at peace due to its natural late maturity. Fortunately, Domaine des Pierrettes had just invested in anti-frost towers. Also known as a wind machine, it is a tall structure equipped with a fan designed to mix warm, high-altitude air with the cold air near the ground, preventing frost damage to the buds. Thanks to that investment, they were able to mitigate part of its effects. Summer sustained an ideal weather for the fruits to mature at peak conditions, allowing long extraction and aging with the lees. A vintage branded by challenges to bring the best quality, with a low yield.
Loire Valley
Clay-with-flint. The soil is filled with lots of small stones, giving their name to the Domaine des Pierrettes
2023