Grolleau IGP 2021

Wine Description for Grolleau IGP 2021 by Clau de Nell

Colour & Appearance

Deep ruby red with violet reflections and a dense, dark core – a colour depth one would not expect from this often underestimated Loire varietal.

Nose

Complex bouquet of blackberries, black cherries and mulberries, underpinned by plums. Spicy notes of black pepper and clove meet Mediterranean hints of black olives and tapenade. Herbal aromas of bay leaf and rosemary along with a touch of dark tobacco round out the aromatic profile. Remarkable is the clarity and focus – nothing feels overloaded.

Palate

Refreshingly fresh and lively on the attack. The ripe acidity drives the extract-rich fruit forward, whilst fine-grained tannins cling to the palate like silk dust. Here lies the true art: concentration without heaviness, structure without harshness. The individual components stand transparently alongside one another and maintain an impressive silkiness and drinking flow.

Finish

Long, fresh and with persistent fruit presence. The tannins provide grip without dominating – a wine that tempts you to take the next sip.

Terroir & Origin

From vines over 100 years old in Ambillou-Château on the Loire. The terroir consists of silty-clayey soil with gravel, pebbles and characteristic red flint. The domaine has been run by the Leflaive family since 2008 and is managed according to biodynamic principles.

Varietal & Vinification

Grolleau, an autochthonous Loire variety that has only recently been vinified dry and as a single varietal. Extreme minimal yield of just 25 hl/ha. Hand-harvested, 30-day maceration with gentle submerging of the cap. Spontaneous fermentation 30% in 228-litre Burgundy barrels, 70% in large wood. 14 months ageing, blending in steel, bottling according to the lunar calendar on a fruit day.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Smoked beetroot with goat’s labneh, cod in pancetta on smoked aubergine purée, squab with blood sauce and creamy polenta. The wine also harmonises beautifully with grilled vegetables and Mediterranean braises.

Special Features

A prime example of the renaissance of forgotten varietals. Cellarmaster Sylvain Potin impressively demonstrates the potential that lies within old Grolleau vines when treated with respect and biodynamic care.