Loire Valley Rosés
Loire Valley rosés come from one of France’s most diverse and exciting wine regions, stretching along the eponymous river from central France to the Atlantic coast. The area is known for producing a wide variety of vin, including crisp whites, elegant reds, rosés, sparkling wines, and sweet dessert wines. The world famous Sancerre sub-region is just one of many renowned appellations located in the Loire.
Menetou-Salon is a small but excellent AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) in the Loire Valley, near Sancerre in the Central Vineyards region. It produces high-quality wines that are often considered hidden gems compared to the bottlings of its more famous neighbor. Menetou-Salon now accounts for about 500 hectares (1,235 acres) of vines spread across 11 parishes around the village itself. Around 80 percent is planted to Sauvignon Blanc. Roughly 1.8 million liters of white wine are produced each year, with 750,000 liters of red wine and 100,000 of rosé. Soils are Kimmeridgian limestone sediments. The climate here in the Central Loire is described as temperate with continental influences and wide variations in seasonal temperatures. Spring frosts can be a danger but are relatively rare. Right now, Menetou-Salon is rapidly establishing its reputation at an international level; the appellation's crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc and light, fruit-driven Pinot Noir wines are almost always less expensive than anything saying “Sancerre”, and are from very similar terroir. However, this is not a new region. The quality of the wines is documented as early as the mid-1400s, and monasterial viticulture likely dates back to at least the 11th Century.
The Touraine AOC stretches from Anjou to the west and Solonge in the east. It is in an area where the Loire river and its tributaries meet, and includes 104 communities. Most of the vineyards are located southeast of the city of Tours. Throughout Touraine, the better vineyard sites are those blessed with free-draining soils rich in tuffeau. Tuffeau is the calcareous rock for which this part of the Loire Valley is famous. It was used as the building material for most of the valley's famous châteaux. Touraine is located around 225 kilometers (140 miles) from the Atlantic Ocean, and the same from the northern Massif Central hills of central France. As a result, the climate here falls somewhere between maritime and continental. In summer, the slow-moving waters of the Loire do little to cool the Touraine vineyards. The region is known for its hot, torpid summer days. There is, however, a noticeable variation in winter temperatures within Touraine. The district's eastern edge tends to have colder and drier winters. In the west of the region they are usually slightly wetter and more temperate.
Think Pink,
Carrie Upson
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Clos Roussely Temps Danse Rosé |
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Region/Country of Origin: AOC Touraine, Loire Valley, France |
About the Vineyards: The vineyard is located in the heart of the village of Angé and overlooks the shores of the Cher. Located in the Touraine and Touraine-Chenonceaux appellation area. It extends over 8 hectares certified in Organic Agriculture (since 2007). The oldest vines of the domain are 80 years old. The clay-limestone terroir filled with flint soil, as well as the temperate climate allow a superb expression of Sauvignon Blanc. This grape represents about 80% of the estate. The other grape varieties of the estate are Côt, Pineau d'Aunis, Cabernet Franc and Gamay. About the Winemaking: The vinification takes place in cellars dug into the tufa under the vineyard over 250 years ago and were adapted for winemaking and wine aging. Custom shaped stainless steel tanks have been built inside the rock walls itself. The constant temperature between the seasons allows for slow fermentation and storage of the wine without thermal variations. The wines are made naturally without commercial yeast or fining. Direct press juice is fermented with natural yeasts and aged for in stainless steel for six months. 90% Pineau d'Aunis, 10% Gamay Tasting Notes: Earthy vegetal notes (pepper and mushrooms) and red fruits mingle with bright, tart citrus like grapefruit and lime on the palate. There's a hint of rocky minerality on the finish. A great wine to get your friends off the NZ Sauv Blancs.. |
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Winemaker: Vincent Roussely |
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Price per bottle / Price per case: $20.99 btl/ $226.69 cs
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Suggested Food Pairing: Arugula and asparagus salad with strawberries and walnuts, blistered shishito peppers, whole roasted herbed chicken, chicken curry with sweet onions and potatoes. |
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Domaine Pellé Menetou-Salon Morogues Rosé |
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Region/Country of Origin: Menetou-Salon, Loire Valley, France |
About the Winery: Domaine Pellé takes its roots in Morogues, a village at the far eastern end of the Loire Valley. Their cellars are close to the village centre, nestled below our beautiful “Les Cris” red grape vineyard. In each of their vineyard plots in the neighbouring Menetou-salon and Sancerre appellations, they observe Mother Nature, cherishing and working with her so that she gives us her very best in return. About the Winemaking: 100% Pinot Noir. Direct pressing of grapes on arrival at the winery, fermentation in casks. Aged six months on the lees in stainless steel vats before bottling. Tasting Notes: This rose is vinified like a white wine (no malolactic fermentation). The wine shows the characteristics of its colour: freshness and finesse. Delicate floral notes in the nose lead into a medium-bodied wine with nice acidity, an abundance of minerals and nice overall tension. |
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Winemaker: Paul-Henry Pellé |
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Price per bottle / Price per case: $18.99/ $205.09 |
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Suggested Food Pairing: This thirst-quenching wine makes a delicious aperitif and a fine accompaniment to salads, pasta with cream sauce, and white meats. |
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