Grolleau, Vin de Pays du Val de Loire — 2019
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Vineyard Profile
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Soil: Silty-clay terroir, consisting of sandstone grit and red flint on tuffeau (limestone)
Surface Area: 2 hectares (4.94 acres)
Age of Vines: 60 to 90 years
Pruning: Gobelet system of spur pruning
Cultivation: Covering the vine stock with soil in autumn, plowing-down in spring, tilling and allowing natural grasses to grow. Biodynamic practices include infusions and plant decoctions applied to the vineyards, following the rhythms of the biodynamic calendar. DEMETER Certified 100% Biodynamic.
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Vintage Report
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The 2018-2019 winter was rather light in rain quantity and mild. When it was followed by a hotter than usual Spring, the vineyard ended up waking up very early with budbreak happening end of March. A few cold episodes slowed down the progress of the vine and on April 4, the frost hit the vines and impacted mostly the early chenin and reducing the yield by half. The summer was particularly dry and hot and if it wasn’t for the clay in our soil, the vine could have suffered even more. A very bright and warm end of season in September and October allowed the vines to finish their ripening in ideal condition, bringing fruits with concentration and a great freshness.
- Harvest Date(s): Grolleau was harvested on September 25 and 26 at optimal maturity; the grapes were handpicked in 12-kilogram boxes and sorted in the vineyard.
- Yields: 30 hl/ha (2.14 tons/acre)
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Vinification
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Destemmed grapes were fermented using native yeasts; 20-day maceration without extraction; gentle cap punching; limited pump-overs; and infusion techniques at temperatures of 18 C to 25 C (64 F to 77 F). Slow and gentle pressing in a pneumatic press.
- Aging: 12 months on fine lees; 50% Burgundy casks, used five times before, in ancient troglodyte cellars cut into the limestone hillside on the property, and 50% in large foudre. Both followed by 6 months in stainless steel vats.
- Bottled: Bottled without filtration or fining on May 10, 2021, a “fruit day”
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Grolleau (red grape variety indigenous to the Loire region)
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Tasting Notes
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Recent Video
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