Clos de la Frelonnerie, Montlouis-Sur-Loire, Touraine, Loire, France, 2021

Producer Profile

Clos de la Frelonnière is a small, historic monopole vineyard located in Montlouis‑sur‑Loire, France.

It has recently gained attention for its exceptional Chenin Blanc and its revival by a team of highly regarded Loire vignerons. The 2 hectares sit on a narrow plot surrounded by ancient walls planted with old vines aged between 30 and 120 years. These ancient walls rise to the west of the town of Montlouis-sur-Loire, facing south, just a stone's throw from the right bank of the Cher.

Viticulture

The 2 hectares of Clos de la Frelonnerie Monopole located in Montlouis-sur-Loire; a narrow plot surrounded by ancient walls planted with old vines aged between 30 and 120 years, cultivated using organic and biodynamic methods (certification pending). These ancient walls rise to the west of the town of Montlouis-sur-Loire, facing south, just a stone's throw from the right bank of the Cher, on a bedrock of yellow tuffeau capped with clayey sands with a southern exposure, on the Cher slope.

Winemaking

Cherished like a grand cru the vines are careful hand-harvesting with grapes pressed in smaller presses which hold the advantage of being filled quickly, which limits oxidisation. Ferments are initiated by indigenous yeasts, which can last up to 6 months in 620-liter demi-muids. Malolactic being avoided. Aged on fine lees in demi-muids, 620 l for 2 years on fine lees. Then bottled without filtration or fining to maintain natural integrity.

Tasting Note

Very stylish with exquisite fruit, this cuvée offers an invigorating, refined and well-coated structure, its woody aging is perfectly integrated. A high class wine!

Food matching

Try this with fish like turbot or sole and trout gravlax.