Domaine La Rouletière Vouvray Sec, Loire Valley, France 2023

Situated in the Vouvray appellation, this domaine is run with passion and savoir faire by 5th generation vigneron Jean-Marc Gilet.  He took over in 2003, but the domaine began in 1914 with just 2 hectares of Chenin Blanc. Passed down from parents to children ever since then, the domaine gradually expanded its holdings and cellars. Carrying on the traditions of several previous generations, Gilet farms the domaine’s 26 hectares and makes his wines in their impressive two-level, carved out underground cellars.

The vineyards lie on Turonian limestone hillsides, covered with perruche (flinty clay that gives the wines their mineral character) and arbuis (calcareous clay that contributes power to the sweet wines). The temperate climate is perfect for ripening Chenin Blanc, and also for making ageworthy wines. Many of the vineyards are farmed organically, fitting with the family’s general philosophy of respect for tradition, the appellation, the grapes and the earth. 

• WINEMAKER: Jean-Marc Gilet
• FARMING: Organic
• VARIETY: 100% Chenin Blanc
• TERROIR: 20-40 year-old vines on clay-limestone soils with the famous tuffeau subsoils of the region
• VINIFICATION/AGING: Following hand-harvesting, the must is fermented at a low temperature in stainless steel tanks and part in used oak barrels, and then the wine is aged on its lees with batonnage for 6 months. 
• TASTING NOTES: On the nose, aromas of wild peach, fresh almonds and locust tree flowers. The pis dry but with nice lush citrus fruit and slightly nutty flavors. The wine is crisp and fresh, with brisk acidity and a revitalizing finish.
• FOOD PAIRINGS: Ideal as an aperitif or paired with shellfish, salads, goat cheese, or light poultry dishes.