Description
Grown on Kimmeridgian clay, the soil which gives the Loire Valleys best Sauvignons. Hand harvested before a strict sorting at the winery. Fermented using wild yeasts and aged on the fine lees in stainless steel before bottling. The Première Cuvée 2022 is concentrated and intense, with a nose packed full of peach, lime and gooseberry. These carry through to the palate, which is racy and juicy, an explosion of flavour across the palate, nicely textured and showing its limestone roots in its long, crystalline finish. A super wine, impressive now but which will age well over the next 2-5 years.
About the Domaine
This small domaine in the heart of Menetou-Salon was created in 2003 by Laurence and Géraud de Farge. Laurence’s father Bernard was involved in setting up the Menetou-Salon appellation in 1959 and her passion for this land is obvious. They are now in the process of handing over to their son, Antoine.
With just 10 hectares of vines they know every inch of their vineyards and harvest by hand, unusual in these parts. The soils, like Sancerre, are limestone and clay, ideally suited to both Sauvignon Blanc, which makes up 80% of their vines, and Pinot Noir. Yields and quality are controlled by de-budding and careful sorting prior to vinification.
Antoine de la Farge is an ambitious young man and a skilful wine maker. As well as taking over from his parents at Domaine de l’Ermitage in Menetou Salon he has developed a range of wines under his own name, designed to showcase the grapes and appellations of the Eastern Loire. These wines are produced on a small scale and with great care – Antoine works with growers his family have known for years, everything is picked by hand and fermentations happen naturally. The wines are made in stainless steel to emphasise their purity and freshness.
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