Blanc de Noir VdF 2021

In 2006, Anne Claude and her husband Christian met the owners of the Clau de Nell vineyard. The domain in Ambillou-Château on the Loire had great potential with clay, flint and tufa soils and magnificent old vines with an average age of 60 years, some even over a hundred years old. The eight hectares of the domaine were planted with Cabernet Franc, Grolleau and Cabernet Sauvignon. The domaine was bought by Leflaives in 2008 and the vineyards were gradually expanded. Cellar master Sylvain Potin cultivates the estate according to biodynamic guidelines. All three of Anne-Claude Leflaives' children work on the estate.

The Blanc de Noir is a Cabernet Franc vinified in white, grown on clay and silt soils of red sandstone and flint on a tufa base. The average age of the vines is around 45 years, the vineyards are treated according to the lunar calendar with biodynamic preparations, the yield is around 30hl/ha. Hand-picked, gentle submersion of the skins and then spontaneous fermentation in 228 litre Burgundy barrels in fourth fill for 12 months on the fine lees and then for six months in tank. After a light filtration, the wine was bottled on a "fruit day" on 10 May 2022.

Red gold with radiant reflections.

The 2021 Blanc de Noir from Clau de Nell oscillates between bright yellow and ripe red fruit on the nose, with a clear herbaceous flavour. Impressions of nectarine and peaches are complemented by red and white currants and their dried leaves. There are also restrained citrus notes of pink grapefruit, wild raspberries and lime blossom as well as floral accents in the top note. The ageing in wood is also recognisable and well integrated into the overall picture.

The interplay of light and dark fruit and spice continues seamlessly on the palate. With strikingly tart notes and leafy tannins, it is animatingly contoured, the fruit also tends to be reflected in the spectrum of the extract. Juicy with salty, mineral notes, it is channelling the skilful use of wood on the palate, which combines wonderfully with the delicate tannins. Blanc de Noir on steroids!