The Fine Wines of the Loire

TASTING REPORT

Last September 29th, a renowned tasting on the theme of "Fine Wines of the Loire" took place at the Oenoschool workshop. An opportunity to discover some truly beautiful bottles! Here is the tasting report:

1) Vouvray Brut Vincent Carème 2005:

A golden robe, old gold, clear with fine bubbles. The nose evokes apple, exotic fruits, white fruits, honey, flowers and mushrooms with milky notes. On the palate, the attack is fresh with apple and sustained acidity. There is a slight perception of sweetness, with a well-present volume. The bubbles are fine and there is a slight bitterness on the finish.

2) Sancerre François Cotat Monts Damnés 2009:

The robe is pale yellow, low intensity and clear. On the nose, sulphur is quite present, along with citrus and grapefruit as well as a few iodine notes. A wine of superb straightforwardness and balance (despite the 15%!). The length is fantastic with a beautiful concentration. A great fine wine!

3) Montlouis 2003 Clos du Brueil François Chidaine:

A golden robe, old gold, with a few light green reflections. Notes of exotic fruit paste, butter and dried fruit. The intensity is medium; the wine is still little evolved. A broad and pasty attack, medium acidity, a slight warmth and bitterness on the palate. An atypical wine!

4) Coteaux du Loir Domaine de Bellivière 2004 Rouge Gorge (Pineau d'Aunis):

A robe of medium intensity, ruby with brick-tinged and purple reflections. An infused nose, with aromas of black tea and ash. An unusual nose with a very pronounced animal character. On the palate, there is a lovely fluidity, sustained acidity and low alcohol. There is a great deal of fruit on the palate; the finish is very tannic.

5) Chinon Coteaux de Noiré Philippe Alliet 2008:

A ruby robe, rather intense, quite matte and purple. The nose is slightly meaty, with notes of chocolate, liquorice and dark fruit. There is a beautiful complexity. On the palate, a very fine balance between freshness and alcohol. A lovely brightness, well-ripened fruit, a fine length that finishes on numerous yet supple tannins. A superb wine with a bright future!

6) Fiefs Vendéens Domaine Saint Nicolas 2009 Poiré (Négrette)

An intense robe with purple reflections. The nose reveals aromas of liquorice, menthol, crushed dark fruits, woody notes and violet. A wine with a fine acidity/alcohol balance, but the tannins are very marked and need a great deal of time to integrate. The expression on the palate is rather restrained.

7) Saumur Champigny Vieilles Vignes Domaine de Villeneuve 1996

A ruby robe with lovely brick-tinged reflections and medium intensity. A nose of jammy raspberry, light pepper, plum, violet and menthol. A superb complexity. A fine balance, save for a slight lack of substance that brings out the tannins considerably. The olfactory aromas reappear with "sweet spice" notes (turmeric, for example).

8) Coteaux du Layon Saint Lambert 1996 Jo Pithon

The robe is golden, orange-tinged (from botrytis), intense. Aromas of dried fruit, candied orange, honey, mushroom, date and tarte tatin. A nose of great complexity. On the palate, there is a great acidity; the sugars are very restrained; the finish is fresh and clean. There is a fine persistence on the palate.

Photo credit: wineandwhisky.co.uk