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

Producer Profile

The Domaine Bonnigal-Bodet is located in Limeray (Amboise), in the heart of the Loire Valley.

Having been handed down from father to son since 1927, the estate is now run by the 4th generation and long-time best friends’ Jean Baptiste Bonnigal and Stéphane Bodet, who took over together in 2015. The vineyards themselves are stretched across a large range of terroirs, with a multitude of local grape varities, including Chenin Blanc, Côt, Sauvignon Blanc and Pineau d'Aunis.

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 lie turbot or sole. Tout gravlax.