Weekly Favourites
Our Weekly Selection
Domaine Bablut | France, Loire, Angers
Cremant NV - Chenin, Chardonnay, Grolleau, Cab. Franc
The Daviau family are a historical family from the Anjou region of the Loire Valley. The family's ancestors began the winery estate on the hills surrounding the town of Brissac back in the 16th Century. They then owned, in addition to their vineyard, several mills which they also worked. The mills can be seen placed on the crest which overhangs the hills of Aubance when entering Brissac and which were formerly called: "The Coast of Mills". Typically in Anjou, the valleys were dedicated to cereals and water mills, and the hillsides: vineyards and windmills. At the end of the 19th century, the Daviau family devoted themselves solely to the vine, abandoning the flour mill. Several generations have followed since then but today it is Christophe Daviau that manages the vineyards.
This Crémant de Loire (a blend of 4 different grape varieties) will bring cheerfulness as an aperitif or with a light dessert. The bubbles are fine. The nose is "creamy" which picks up slight vanilla and brioche characters. The different grape varieties that make it up each bring their aromatics to the table: Chardonnay with its sweet floral scents (honeysuckle, hawthorn), Chenin blanc with its mineral nuances, Cabernet its violet note and Grolleau noir it's spice. The mouth is delicate and the fine bubbles give it lightness and finesse.
Remi Sedes | France, Nantes, Coteaux d’Ancenis
Samplemousse 2018 - Gamay
Hailing from the Jura, Rémi Sedes studied agronomy when he arrived in the area of Ancenis to live with his Nantes-born wife. Part of winemaking for Rémi is a lifestyle choice; he wants to work outdoors, in the fresh air, and not with machines. He has two Shirehorses which are an important part of his winemaking process, helping to work the land. Rémi is a Gamay specialist, and this was a key factor in choosing to work in Ancenis. The soils are micro granite - which suits Gamay particularly well.
Wine cocktails have long been mixed at home in the South of France, made-to-order at parties and summer extravaganzas. The tipples, lighter in alcohol than wine or a traditional mixed drink, could be enjoyed all day long in the sunshine. While the Basques preferred 'kalimotxo', a mix of red wine and Coca-Cola, and the Catalans were more adept at sangria, those on the French Côte d’Azur have opted for rosé wine mixed with grapefruit (pamplemousse in french). It was this pink, slightly tart drink that took off all over France. That's where the inspiration behind Samplemousse came from!
There is a grapefruit on the label for a reason: the unique flavour comes from the granite soil but it's hard to believe he hasn't spent some time squeezing a tonne of them into the tank! Four hours of cold maceration, then the grapes are pressed into fibreglass for a long slow fermentation. Refreshing and perfect for a BBQ. Serve it super chilled!
La Grange aux Belles | France, Angers, Soulaines-sur-Aubance
La Chaussée Rouge 2019 - Cabernet Franc, Grolleau
La Grange aux Belles is a fairly recent artisan winery that makes Anjou shine beyond its borders. This winery started a few years ago from scratch in the village of Soulaines-sur-Aubance, south of Angers. They needed to build the winery as it is very difficult to find available buildings in the vicinity of Angers because of the real estate frenzy. This often leaves the aspiring vignerons with little choice other than building something near the parcels.
This all began in 2004, Marc Houtin was a wine lover who was employed in a major oil company in his former life. At first he mainly supplied the wine co-operative of Brissac. After a difficult harvest in 2006 Marc looked to seek help. Julien Bresteau was interning at Domaine de Montgilet, the spark was right between them and they became friends. In 2007 Marc invited Julien to join the Domaine and La Grange Aux Belles was born. Then, two more characters joined the story: a need for further investment brought in old friend Rémi Fournier of "Chez Rémi” in Angers and also, Gérald Peau – aka "Jesse" – the first bartender of the legendary "Le Circle Rouge” wine bar in Angers lent a helping hand. Both bars being very popular during the annually celebrated winter wine fair, that is.... 'La Dive'.
The latest vintage of Chaussee Rouge is as bright and as easy drinking as ever. This is glou-glou wine!
Whole bunches of grapes are thrown into a tank and left to macerate for 8 days. As this is happening the juice from the grapes is separated to ensure nothing sits on the skins to produce a light, fruit forward wine with little if any tannin. Dangerously easy to drink, I'd recommend purchasing a backup.
Have a great week,
Al