The Heritage Club - June 2021
This month features the two-parent grapes of the uber-popular Cabernet Sauvignon variety: Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. Both of these wines hail from the Loire Valley stretching from central northern France all the way to the west coast of France. Loire showcases acidity as well as any other place in Europe. Enjoy the unique methoprazine (bell pepper note) featured by these two distinct wines, it is a novel feature that these two grapes passed down to their Cab Sauv child as well.
Domaine De Pallus "Messanges" Chinon
Producer: Domaine De Pallus
Winemaker: Bertrand Sourdais
Region: Chinon, Loire Valey, France
Grape Varietal: Cabernet Franc
Viticulture: Biodynamic viticulture with sand and pebble soil.
Method: Maceration in concrete tanks for 8 days, Wild yeast, Alcoholic fermentation at low temperature, aging in 600-liter barrels for 6 months.
Serving Suggestion: Serve slightly chilled. This wine has a floral and spicy character that pairs well with sausages and goat cheeses.
Age: 5-10 years in the proper conditions.
Nose: Earthy, with notes of cedar and bell pepper.
Tasting Notes: Silky texture featuring plum, black pepper, and rosemary.
WHY WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT THIS WINE
The Loire Valley features some of the most interesting winemaking in all of France. While in Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc is used lightly in rounding out their famous styles, Loire Valley lets this fantastic varietal shine. Giving the spotlight to lesser-known varietals or typically blended varietals is something we love when trying wine.
Cabernet Franc is the parent grape of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and is famous for its complex profile, including bell pepper (pyrazines). The compounds that give the bell pepper flavor occur naturally in Cabernet Franc vines as a natural defense system against pests. This is part of the reason why this grape successfully grows in such a diverse range of places. The cooler climate of the Loire Valley also provides more tart fruits and medium to medium-high acidity.
This wine in particular is produced by famed winemaker, Bertrand Sourdais' family estate, and Messanges is the local name for Cab Franc. For its price point, you will be hard-pressed to find a Cab Franc that is this delicious and well-balanced. Domaine De Pallus showcases Chinon as a region exceptionally well. This wine combines many things that we look for in an interesting wine: an intriguing nose, a playful palate, and a finish that lingers.
Atlantique Sauvignon Blanc
Producer: Drouet Freres
Winemaker: Fabrice Gouraud
Region: Loire Valley, France
Grape Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Method: Slow and gentle pressing follows the first phase of skin maceration to extract the aromatic compounds contained in the skins. Light racking after fermentation in stainless steel tanks between 13C and 15C for 18 days.
Age: Enjoy now or hold onto this wine for another year or two.
Serving Suggestion: This aromatic Sauvignon can be enjoyed on its own as an aperitif. It will also accompany grilled fish and Asian cuisine, serve cold.
Nose: Vibrant tropical fruit and citrus aromas with melon and white peach.
Tasting Notes: Light and refreshing fruits with a very fun zestiness.
WHY WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT THIS WINE
Sauvignon Blanc has a tendency to be a polarizing wine. Most serious wine drinkers have a strong opinion on this high acidity star of summer wines.
Sauvignon Blanc is arguably best when grown in the Loire Valley. The cool climate produces fruity, tart wine with lively acidity. This wine is no exception. Our team appreciates biodynamic winemaking and has tried to feature biodynamic wines in our club throughout its history. There has been a recent shift in the Loire towards organic and biodynamic practices. The days of using weed killers are fading because alternative methods like cover crops (planting other things in the vineyards) are better for the environment.
The Atlantique Sauv Blanc is a great wine for hot Missouri summers, the grassiness of this wine is not only interesting but would also pair well with day drinking outside after freshly mowing the yard.