The vines are now heavy with grapes and it is a wonderfully colourful time to come to the Loire Valley Vineyards. The hand picking for the cremant is done into crates and then transferred directly to the press.
The AOC white grapes of the area are the Chenin Blanc which makes excellent whites ranging from the sparkling methode traditionelle through dry whites to the great sweet wines of the area. The rays really reflect sunlight into wine and the chenin grapes are so clean you can even see the pips!
The AOC red grapes of the area are the Cabernet Franc known also as the Breton and brought to the region in the 1920’s by Antoine Cristal. The grape is deeper, darker and richer than cabernet sauvignon but also has a delightfully mouthwatering perfume. Usual characteristics are a flavour of raspberries and blackcurrant.
A good indication that the grapes are ready (along with using the refractometer) is that Willow will start to nibble them! So I guess these must be good.....
A visit to Domaine aux Moines in Savennieres with Tessa Laroche who takes us out to the vineyard to test the potential alcohol in the grapes and then back to the winery to do a vertical tasting of their whites from 1992 to 2006. You can read Richard Kelly’s review of the Domaine and his vertical tasting by following the link below the photo : www.richardkelley.co.uk/auxmoines.htm
The AOC white grapes of the area are the Chenin Blanc which makes excellent whites ranging from the sparkling methode traditionelle through dry whites to the great sweet wines of the area. The rays really reflect sunlight into wine and the chenin grapes are so clean you can even see the pips!
The AOC red grapes of the area are the Cabernet Franc known also as the Breton and brought to the region in the 1920’s by Antoine Cristal. The grape is deeper, darker and richer than cabernet sauvignon but also has a delightfully mouthwatering perfume. Usual characteristics are a flavour of raspberries and blackcurrant.
A good indication that the grapes are ready (along with using the refractometer) is that Willow will start to nibble them! So I guess these must be good.....
A visit to Domaine aux Moines in Savennieres with Tessa Laroche who takes us out to the vineyard to test the potential alcohol in the grapes and then back to the winery to do a vertical tasting of their whites from 1992 to 2006. You can read Richard Kelly’s review of the Domaine and his vertical tasting by following the link below the photo :