Loire / France

White

Romorantin

Organic / Biodynamic

12.5 %

Hand-harvested from youngish vines up to 20yrs old in limestone soils near Cheverney.

 

De-stemmed and gently pressed before fermentation

 

Spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts in stainless steel tank

 

Aged 18 months in old oak barrel and concrete vats

 

Minimal added s02

Claude Courtois has created a small farm that exemplifies what biodynamic is in terms of biodiversity and self-sufficiency. He farms a balanced & completely chemical free 13-hectares of vines in the heart of the VDP Sologne.

Claude, who is growing older, has started to pass off the winemaking to his son Etienne, who is continuing the tradition of very long elevage in barrel, including up to 4 years in barrel for the amazing Cuvée Des Étourneaux Gamay, which we also stock.

This is one of Claude's most famous cuvées, and one of the supreme examples of the extremely rare Loire grape, Romorantin. It has savoury and floral aromas redolent of Mediterranean herbs, chamomile, hay and spices cut through with a ripping acidity.  An oxidative nature to this, with great complexity and character.