By country :: France :: Loire
The Loire Valley is a region close to my heart, having spent my formative years growing up in this beautiful area. Home of vineyards since the Roman times, the Loire has always been a region that showcased fine wines, and this trend continues to this day, particularly thanks to the emergence of a number of young and independent producers, many of whom embrace sustainable, organic and biodynamic principles.
At just 29, Jonathan Pabiot is our youngest producer. The success of his Pouilly Fumé has led many of Jonathan’s peers to suggest he shall follow in the footsteps of Didier Dagueneau, identified as one of the greatest winemakers the Loire valley has ever produced. His initiative and originality is displayed in his attempts to revive Chasselas, the original grape variety in Pouilly. In fact, Jonathan’s work is so well respected that his father, who previously had an estate of his own, has started working under his son’s tutelage, as he believes he makes better wines!
Recently, I was lucky enough to receive a bottle of Vincent Gaudry’s top cuvée Sancerre “A mi chemin” – meaning “half way to heaven” - as a birthday present. This is a wine which unfortunately does not feature on our list, as Vincent only produces 260 bottles, and even then, only if it is a good vintage! It was quite simply, however, the best white wine I have ever had the pleasure to drink, so it is definitely one to look out for.
Richard
Found 25 products.
Côteaux du Layon St. Lambert Domaine Vincent Ogereau 2011Our price: £17.65On the banks of the Côteaux du Layon, a tributary of the Loire, Domaine Ogereau is a vineyard spanning 20 hectares under the watchful eye of Vincent Ogereau and his wife Catherine.
Chinon, Domaine Herault 2009Our price: £11.05Based in Panzoult, in the heart of the appellation, this family estate spans 24 hectares and solely cultivates Cabernet Franc, also known locally as Breton. The estate is split between two terroirs, gravel in the valley, and limestone/clay on the hillside. Thanks to a full southern exposure, the grapes benefit from great ripening potential. This is translated into a typical but ripe, round and juicy Chinon with lovely raspberry notes. Furthermore, the wines benefit from maturing in the large underground cellars that were dug up during the thirteenth century. The local stone is called "Tuffeau" (a kind of limestone) and was used to build the fabulous Chateaux all along the Loire Valley during the Renaissance, including Chenonceau where Mary Queen of Scots grew up.
Cremant de Loire NV Domaine LangloisOur price: £15.35Langlois-Château is a Domaine with a rich history, spanning well over a century. The estate’s first owner, Edouard Langlois, was killed in combat during the First World War, causing the business, which had specialised in the production of sparkling wines to momentarily hit the rocks. The Domaine was swiftly back on its feet however and continued to produce wines of the highest quality, so much so that, in 1973, Maison Bollinger bought into the business, acquiring majority ownership.
Cremant de Loire Rosé NV Domaine LangloisOur price: £15.35Langlois-Château is a Domaine with a rich history, spanning well over a century. The estate’s first owner, Edouard Langlois, was killed in combat during the First World War, causing the business, which had specialised in the production of sparkling wines to momentarily hit the rocks. The Domaine was swiftly back on its feet however and continued to produce wines of the highest quality, so much so that, in 1973, Maison Bollinger bought into the business, acquiring majority ownership.
Gamay Pinot Noir de Touraine, Domaine de la Rochette 2012Our price: £9.40Hidden amongst the most beautiful chateaux in the Loire, right in the heart of the region and close to the banks of the river Cher, Domaine de la Rochette comprises 46 hectares of vines used to produce both red and white wines. Now run by Francois Leclair, the latest of three generations of fathers and sons to control proceedings, the estate is part of the "Appellation d'Origine Controlee Touraine", indicating that all vines have passed quality control checks that render the wines they produce of a sufficient level to be bottled as "high quality".
Mineral+, Montlouis, Frantz Saumon, 2010Our price: £17.25Overshadowed by the nearby Vouvray appellation, Montlouis-sur-Loire is not particularly well-known in the international wine market, yet is still capable of producing fantastic wines. All produce is based on Chenin Blanc, the appellation’s main grape variety.
Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine, Château Haute Carizière 2011Our price: £8.85This area is experiencing a revival with quality-minded producers pushing for reforms in the appellation itself. Smaller yields and an understanding of the various terroirs have led to the production of much better Muscadets. Daniel Bideau and Marie-Béatrice Giraud are examples of such forward thinkers. Their estate is 'Terra Vitis' registered, meaning that they are committed to environmental sustainability in their winemaking. Their Muscadet is reminiscent of quality Trebbiano from Italy, with lovely floral and almond notes.
Pouilly Fumé Jonathan et Didier Pabiot 2011Our price: £14.95Owned by the Pabiot family for five generations and based in Les Loges, Domain Pabiot has been an organic vineyard since 2006. All stages of the winemaking process have been modified in recent years in order to ensure that the estate conserves its environment and surroundings as well as possible, as well as ensuring that their wines still maintain their fantastic taste while minimising the use of sulphites.
Pouilly Fumé Jonathan et Didier Pabiot 2011 (half bottle)Our price: £7.95Owned by the Pabiot family for five generations and based in Les Loges, Domain Pabiot has been an organic vineyard since 2006. All stages of the winemaking process have been modified in recent years in order to ensure that the estate conserves its environment and surroundings as well as possible, as well as ensuring that their wines still maintain their fantastic taste while minimising the use of sulphites.
Pouilly Fume Predilection 2009 Jonathan et Didier PabiotRRP: £31.80Our price: £25.00You save: £6.80 (21%)Jonathan was one the very first producers we started to work with and he was certainly the youngest. His certified organic estate has grown to 27 ha and he is now being recognised by his peers as one of the best young producers of the appellation. His Pouilly Fumé is getting better by the vintage but his parcellar selections are attracting a lot of interest. Aubaine is made from a single parcel on very stony soils and Predilection is made from old vines on a very steep slope of poor Kidmerigian soil which produces very low yields. Both cuvees rest on their lees for 12 months in an underground concrete tank, at a constant temperature. These wines definitely need decanting. The Pouilly sur Loire is a new project for Jonathan and is made with the original and ancient Chasselas grape variety which is knowing a bit of revival. Eurythmie is made with the Predilection cuvee which has matured for 10 months in oak barrels.
Pouilly sur Loire Jonathan Pabiot 2010Our price: £14.95Owned by the Pabiot family for five generations and based in Les Loges, Domain Pabiot has been an organic vineyard since 2006. All stages of the winemaking process have been modified in recent years in order to ensure that the estate conserves its environment and surroundings as well as possible, as well as ensuring that their wines still maintain their fantastic taste while minimising the use of sulphites.
Sancerre Blanc 'L'Esprit de Rudolph' Domaine Vincent Gaudry 2010Our price: £20.15Vincent Gaudry is well known throughout the business as one of France’s most secretive winemakers. What is known of him however, is that he is very much at one with nature. He harvests his crop, ‘when the vines tell him to’ while his vineyard is home to an array of standing stones which he believes his ancestors constructed in an effort to channel energy between earth and heaven. One thing that is common knowledge however, is the sublime quality of his wines, which are among the Loire’s most stunning, surely justification for the unusual methods which Vincent utilises.
Sancerre Blanc 'Tournebride' Domaine Vincent Gaudry 2011Our price: £17.30Vincent Gaudry is well known throughout the business as one of France’s most secretive winemakers. What is known of him however, is that he is very much at one with nature. He harvests his crop, ‘when the vines tell him to’ while his vineyard is home to an array of standing stones which he believes his ancestors constructed in an effort to channel energy between earth and heaven. One thing that is common knowledge however, is the sublime quality of his wines, which are among the Loire’s most stunning, surely justification for the unusual methods which Vincent utilises.
Sancerre Blanc Domaine Yves Martin 2012Our price: £14.65Having assumed control of the vineyard in 2004, Pierre Martin has continued the work of his father Yves in producing some of the best Sancerre of the region. Renowned in the business as a highly experienced and respected wine taster, Pierre now runs the 11.5 hectare estate, under the watchful eye of his semi-retired father. Thanks to the Domaine’s location, covering areas of both ‘Chavignol’, chalky earth heavily laced with stones, and ‘terres blanches’, largely composed of limestone and clay, Pierre’s wines are citrussy, heavily accented by minerals and extremely refreshing.
Sancerre Rosé Domaine Yves Martin 2011Our price: £14.65Having assumed control of the vineyard in 2004, Pierre Martin has continued the work of his father Yves in producing some of the best Sancerre of the region. Renowned in the business as a highly experienced and respected wine taster, Pierre now runs the 11.5 hectare estate, under the watchful eye of his semi-retired father. Thanks to the Domaine’s location, covering areas of both ‘Chavignol’, chalky earth heavily laced with stones, and ‘terres blanches’, largely composed of limestone and clay, Pierre’s wines are citrussy, heavily accented by minerals and extremely refreshing.
Sancerre Rose, Jean-Max Roger, 2010Our price: £19.70Still controlled by the famous Roger family, who have been winemakers since the early 17th century, this estate has expanded greatly in recent years, yet still only comprises 26 hectares of vines.
Sancerre Rouge 'Vincengetorix' Domaine Vincent Gaudry 2011Our price: £18.85Vincent Gaudry is well known throughout the business as one of France’s most secretive winemakers. What is known of him however, is that he is very much at one with nature. He harvests his crop, ‘when the vines tell him to’ while his vineyard is home to an array of standing stones which he believes his ancestors constructed in an effort to channel energy between earth and heaven. One thing that is common knowledge however, is the sublime quality of his wines, which are among the Loire’s most stunning, surely justification for the unusual methods which Vincent utilises.
Sancerre Rouge Domaine Yves Martin 2010Our price: £15.20Having assumed control of the vineyard in 2004, Pierre Martin has continued the work of his father Yves in producing some of the best Sancerre of the region. Renowned in the business as a highly experienced and respected wine taster, Pierre now runs the 11.5 hectare estate, under the watchful eye of his semi-retired father. Thanks to the Domaine’s location, covering areas of both ‘Chavignol’, chalky earth heavily laced with stones, and ‘terres blanches’, largely composed of limestone and clay, Pierre’s wines are citrussy, heavily accented by minerals and extremely refreshing.
Saumur Blanc "L'insolite" Biodynamic 2011, Thierry GermainOur price: £19.50Owned by Thierry Germain, Domaine des Roches Neuves, is one of many vineyards in Loire that has adopted a biodynamic culture in recent years. Germain, who adamantly stands by his philosophy that ‘plants, not chemistry, make wine’, tends a 22 hectare vineyard with an incredible attention to detail, particularly the manner in which nature can impact on his produce.
Saumur Champigny "Terres Chaudes" Biodynamic 2010 Thierry GermainOur price: £19.50Owned by Thierry Germain, Domaine des Roches Neuves, is one of many vineyards in Loire that has adopted a biodynamic culture in recent years. Germain, who adamantly stands by his philosophy that ‘plants, not chemistry, make wine’, tends a 22 hectare vineyard with an incredible attention to detail, particularly the manner in which nature can impact on his produce.
Sauvignon Touraine 'Fleur de Printemps' Domaine Rochette 2012Our price: £9.40Hidden amongst the most beautiful chateaux in the Loire, right in the heart of the region and close to the banks of the river Cher, Domaine de la Rochette comprises 46 hectares of vines used to produce both red and white wines. Now run by Francois Leclair, the latest of three generations of fathers and sons to control proceedings, the estate is part of the "Appellation d'Origine Controlee Touraine", indicating that all vines have passed quality control checks that render the wines they produce of a sufficient level to be bottled as "high quality".
Sauvignon, Herve Villemade, 2011Our price: £11.25Created using organic methods by brother and sister team Herve and Isabelle Villemade from their base in the small village of Cellettes in the Loire Valley, this pure Sauvignon Blanc is lively and vibrant, with absolutely no sulfer added during the winemaking process.
Savennières Roche aux Moines 2004Our price: £19.25Monique Laroche and daughter Tessa run this very well-known estate. The Pineau de Loire, otherwise known as Chenin Blanc, is at its best here.
Vouvray Brut (Sparkling) Domaine ChampalouOur price: £16.65A relatively youthful estate found in the Vouvray, one of the Loire valley’s central districts, Domaine Champalou provides some of the best wines produced with the Loire’s best known grape, the Chenin.
Vouvray Sec Champalou 2010Our price: £13.75A relatively youthful estate found in the Vouvray, one of the Loire valley’s central districts, Domaine Champalou provides some of the best wines produced with the Loire’s best known grape, the Chenin.
