Grolleau, Vin de Pays du Val de Loire — 2020
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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: 70 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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Winter 2019-2020 was mild with average rainfall and temperatures. Budburst occurred in April; and temperatures stayed above 0°C and the vines were undamaged. May 25th saw flowering in excellent condition. Summer was very hot and dry, yet the clay and limestone soil helped the vines stay healthy. Fall was ideal with light and warm temperatures. Harvest began on September 11th with Chenin Blanc and continued through September, with Grolleau being picked from September 16-18.
- Harvest Date(s): Grolleau was harvested from September 16-18 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 the fine lees in Burgundy barrels (5-7 times used), followed by 6 months in stainless steel tanks.
- Bottled: Bottled without filtration or fining on May 10, 2022, a “fruit day
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Grolleau (red grape variety indigenous to the Loire region)
- Alcohol: 12.5%
Images
Reviews
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Grolleau, Vin de Pays du Val de Loire — 2020 – Wine Enthusiast – 92 Points
“This wine has a nose of red currant, black cherry and violet blossom. Concentration dominates on the midpalate with velvety tannins that revel in black cherry, chalk and dried mushroom on the finish. This wine begs for dishes that match it in complexity and depth.”