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Château Tour Grise, Sparkling, Saumur Brut, Non Dosè

Loire Valley, France 2004 (750mL)
$23.00
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Château Tour Grise, Sparkling, Saumur Brut, Non Dosè


Puy-Notre-Dame, the highest point in Saumur, is located in the Loire Valley’s region of Anjou-Saumur, which is bordered to the west by Pays Nantais and is roughly three hours southwest of Paris. Known for the world’s most classic expression of Cabernet Franc, it also delivers incredibly serious Chenin Blanc. Due to the fact that the varietal is greatly under appreciated by the mass market, the character and complexity-driven Chenin Blanc grape presents one of the greatest values of the wine world and this sparkling offering is no exception. Château Tour Grise, nestled in the heart of picturesque Le Puy-Notre-Dame and built atop a labyrinth of cellars, dates back to the 15th century. The ancient village once belonged to Eleanor of Aquitaine and the village land boasts winemaking history that extends back to at least the 12th century.
 
The current stewards of this treasured land, Philippe & Françoise Goudron, took the reins of the estate in 1998. Incredibly passionate about biodynamic viticulture, they immediately converted their vines to the meticulous farming practice upon acquiring them. Their vineyards have turonian limestone soils that deliver highly focused minerality from sixty-year-old vines planted in small, unique parcels. As mentioned above, this particular méthode champenoise Chenin Blanc went through an impressive ten years of sur lie aging before disgorgement, after which the wine was bottled non-dosê (without sugar/dosage). The final result offers ample creaminess and nuttiness that is balanced with the crisp freshness that we crave in many tête de cuvée Champagnes. Although this is not Champagne, it has all the qualities that lovers of it continually seek. 
 
This wine displays a beautiful pale golden core moving to green and gold reflections on the rim and boasts incredibly fine bubbles that slowly make their way through the viscous liquid. The nose reveals mature aromatics of dried yellow apple, dried lemon, quince and lime blossom that are elevated by crushed hazelnut, chamomile tea, white mushroom powder, rising bread dough, trademark wet wool and a touch of oyster shell. The mouthfeel offers a dense weight and creaminess thanks to the extensive lees aging and old vines. With the flavor profile mirroring the aromatics, this palate delivers vivacious freshness juxtaposed with layer after layer of nutty creaminess and is driven by precise limestone minerality. A completely unique wine, this smells and tastes distinctly of Chenin Blanc. It is driven by the varietal’s character yet the weight of the palate and viscosity of the liquid is nothing short of what we all love in top mark, aged Champagne. Ideally, pull this wine out of the refrigerator and serve in a Burgundy stem; it will start to sing within 3-4 minutes. For an inspired summer pairing, prepare this simple roasted chicken with wild mushrooms and garlic butter.
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Country
France
Region
Loire Valley
Sub-Region
FranceSaumur
Soil
Limestone
Farming
Organic and Biodynamic
Blend
Chenin Blanc
Alcohol
12.5
OAK
Neutral

France

Bourgogne

Beaujolais

Enjoying the greatest wines of Beaujolais starts, as it usually does, with the lay of the land. In Beaujolais, 10 localities have been given their own AOC (Appellation of Controlled Origin) designation. They are: Saint Amour; Juliénas; Chénas; Moulin-à Vent; Fleurie; Chiroubles; Morgon; Régnié; Côte de Brouilly; and Brouilly.

Southwestern France

Bordeaux

Bordeaux surrounds two rivers, the Dordogne and Garonne, which intersect north of the city of Bordeaux to form the Gironde Estuary, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The region is at the 45th parallel (California’s Napa Valley is at the38th), with a mild, Atlantic-influenced climate enabling the maturation of late-ripening varieties.

Central France

Loire Valley

The Loire is France’s longest river (634 miles), originating in the southerly Cévennes Mountains, flowing north towards Paris, then curving westward and emptying into the Atlantic Ocean near Nantes. The Loire and its tributaries cover a huge swath of central France, with most of the wine appellations on an east-west stretch at47 degrees north (the same latitude as Burgundy).

Northeastern France

Alsace

Alsace, in Northeastern France, is one of the most geologically diverse wine regions in the world, with vineyards running from the foothills of theVosges Mountains down to the Rhine River Valley below.

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