Domaine du Collier Saumur Blanc, Loire Valley, France 2018

Domaine du Collier was established in 1999 by Antoine Foucault and Caroline Boireau. Antoine cut his teeth at the famed Clos Rougeard in Saumur-Champigny, working with his father and uncle, Charly and Nady Foucault. The domaine is located in the commune of Brézé within the Loire Valley appellation of Saumur Champigny. The estate is comprised of 6.5 hectares of vines dedicated to Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc. Two-thirds of the estate is planted to Chenin, most of which are old vines and some pushing 100 years of age. The remaining third is planted to Cabernet Franc, namely in the important lieu-dits of La Ripaille and La Charpentrie. As a proponent of natural viticulture and winemaking, Antoine uses no chemical fungicides or fertilizers on the vines, and all harvesting is done by hand. 

• Farming:  Organic
• Winemaker: Antoine Foucault
• Grape Varieties: 100% Chenin Blanc
• Soil / Terroir: Limestone; Chalky tuffeau
• Vinification: Hand-harvested form vineyards in and around Ripaille site vines aged 25-75 years then fermented in neutral barrels with native yeasts. Aged 3 years in French oak barrel (3 years), without racking.
• Tasting Notes: An ethereal, uplifted Chenin Blanc, this wine does not carry quite the weight and density of Charpentrie, but instead has zest, liveliness and chalky lift across the palate, with a long, quince and yellow apple skin finish.