Vignoble Rethore Davy - Val de Loire Sauvignon Blanc "Parcelles" IGP 2024 750ml (12% ABV)

crisp, aromatic Loire Sauv Blanc from the western end of the valley, near Nantes, outside of the Muscadet wine region

punchy nose of green leafy herbs, citrus, crushed stone minerality, elderflower, hints of grass without being overly green, medium bodied with some nice mid palate depth and texture, jasmine, florals, 

Christophe Réthoré, who tends perhaps 40 hectares of vines in Saint Rémy en Mauges. If your immediate response to that little nugget of information is “err, where?” fear not, for I suspect you are not alone. Almost midway between Angers and Nantes, a stone’s throw from the border between the Maine et Loire and Loire Atlantique départements, Christophe holds sway over a very isolated viticultural outpost. Here, in an island of vines surrounded by a sea of lush-green pasture and golden wheat, he grows the classic Loire Valley staples of Sauvignon Blanc and Gamay, not to mention Pinot Gris, Abouriou, Viognier and even Syrah. Yes, you read that correctly. Syrah. Well, I did say the Loire Valley was known for its diversity.

Family estate, sustainable certified for 10 years in their 3rd year of organic conversion, soils of schist for SB, just east of Nantes so a lot of Atlantic influence brings fresh acidity and minerality, classic winemaking in tank does nothing to obscure the terroir.

region: western Loire, France

varietal: Sauvignon Blanc

style: white

farming/cellar:

Mechanical harvesting.
Temperature‐controlled fermentation in stainless steel vats, Pressing, Regular bâtonnage ﴾stirring up the lees﴿, Cold pre-fermentation maceration, settling, Ageing in temperature‐controlled stainless steel vats, Blending, Light filtering, cork sealed

pairing: brie, asparagus, crab legs