Comparative tasting
Hello and welcome to the May edition of the l’Art du Vin wine club.
Well, we thought we had the beating of the technology gremlins but alas, they have reared their heads again! Thank you very much for your patience and continued support. After countless hours spent speaking to AI techbots (something which I recommend you pair with a glass of wine or two!), we appear to now be set up and raring to go again for next month.
In the meantime, I thought this month’s case would be a great opportunity for a little comparative tasting.
Firstly, we are focussing on Sauvignon Blanc from two valleys: the Loire in France and Chile’s Valle Central.
The Sauvignon Blancs of the Loire are known for their crisp acidity, pronounced minerality, and complex aromas of citrus, green apple, and flint. The cool climate and limestone-rich soils contribute to their elegant structure and food-friendly nature.
While also seen as cool climate examples, the Sauvignon Blancs from Valle Central tend to have a far greater concentration of tropical fruit on the palate thanks to the increased sunshine hours the see. However, that doesn’t mean you should expect jammy or over ripe flavours, as they also benefit from the cooling effects of the Pacific Ocean, protecting their acidity and freshness.
Our second pairing pits a brand-new French addition to our range against an Ozzie counterpart.
The first Pinot Noir comes from our good friend Floris of Chateau Canet in the Languedoc. Expect ripe red fruit flavours with a fuller body and softer tannins, reflecting the region's warmer Mediterranean climate. In contrast, the Australian Pinot Noir from Attwoods in Victoria, showcases vibrant acidity, delicate cherry and strawberry notes, and earthy complexity. Both give accurate insights to their unique terroirs – so I look forward to hearing which example you prefer!
Thanks again for your continued support and I hope you enjoy the selection!
Cheers!
Philippe
Sauvignon Blanc, Domaine de la Rochette, Loire, France 2024
Producer
Francois Leclair is among a group of local winemakers intent on driving up the levels of quality in the Touraine appellation. To reach this objective, he has taken it upon himself, along with those who share his vision in the region, to create a new appellation – AOC Chenonceaux, which was legally instated in 2011. Located in the very heart of the sprawling Touraine appellation, Domaine de la Rochette comprises 46 hectares of vines, producing Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc and a little Malbec. Francois’ wines offer wonderful examples of Sauvignon Blanc from the Touraine area and exceptional value for money.
Tasting Notes
Award winning Sauvignon from the heart of the Loire. Crisp gooseberries, limes and a very slightly creamy finish.
Food Pairing
A wine that is perfect for this time of year – particularly with new season British asparagus. Also a natural partner with goat’s cheese – a speciality of the Loire region. However this is a wine that also sits wonderfully when being enjoyed on it's own without food.
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Sauvignon Blanc, Casa de Flores, Valle Central, Chile 2024
Producer
The Valle Central is Chile's most significant and productive wine region, accounting for over 80% of the country's wine production. Stretching southward from Santiago, the region benefits from a Mediterranean climate characterised by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Its geography is flanked by the Andes Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, creating a variety of microclimates. This diversity allows for the cultivation of a wide range of grape varieties.
The Casa de Flores team are best known for their bottlings focussing on Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot, working diligently and sustainably to produce wines that speak of the unique terroirs provided by this widely varied region.
Tasting Notes
This Sauvignon Blanc is lively and citrus-driven. Lime zest, grapefruit and herbal notes are accompanied by hints of ripe passion fruit. The finish is lifted and refreshing.
Food Pairing
The combination of bright acidity and tropical fruit notes ensures this is a great accompaniment to dishes featuring lemongrass, ginger or light spice, as well as fresher seafood dishes like grilled fish or ceviche.
Pinot Noir ‘Victoria Selection’, Château Canet, Languedoc, France 2024
Producer
Château Canet is a family run wine and olive domaine in the appellation of Minervois. Winemaker and owner Floris Lemstra tends to his 45 hectares estate following the principles of Terra Vitis, promoting sustainability throughout his vineyard. In order to further boost the ecosystem across his land, Floris maintains a 3 hectare olive grow alongside a vast wild pine forest.
Tasting Notes
A brand new addition to our range that we are excited to share with you. Fresh and fruity but backed up by sophisticated spice, black pepper and a long smooth finish. Crucially for a Pinot Noir from the Languedoc, it is extremely well-balanced, underpinned by good acidity that prevents the palate becoming cloying or jammy.
Food Pairing
Great with dishes featuring fresh herbs that help bring out the wine’s more savoury qualities. Grilled rabbit with herbs is a local speciality that particularly hits the spot. Also perfect alongside something a little creamier like a mushroom risotto.
Pinot Noir ‘3 by Attwoods’, Attwoods, Victoria, Australia 2022
Producer
Attwoods Wines is a boutique producer specialising in cool-climate wines, with particular focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The winery operates across several regions in Victoria, Australia, including Ballarat, Macedon Ranges, and Geelong. Attwoods is known for its minimal intervention approach, aiming to produce wines that reflect the unique characteristics of each vintage and terroir. Having established the estate in 2010, husband and wife team Troy and Jane focus on producing food-friendly wines with a philosophy of taking great risks to achieve great rewards.
Tasting Notes
Medium-bodied with a pure, silky texture. Expect bags of red fruit, complemented by nuances of clove, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla from the oak aging.
Food Pairing
The slightly more sophisticated structure of this Pinot Noir opens it up to richer pairings, like duck breast. However it is well-balanced enough to not overwhelm grilled salmon or chunkier fish dishes. A really delightful, generally gastronomically friendly wine.
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