Grolleau IGP 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.

Grolleau is an indigenous variety of the Loire, which has only recently been vinified as a single variety and, above all, dry. Grown on a silty-clay terroir consisting of gravel, pebbles and red flint, the vines are over 100 years old. The vines are treated according to the lunar calendar with biodynamic preparations, the yield is approx. 25hl/ha. Hand-picked, destemmed and gently pneumatically pressed after a 30-day maceration period with gentle submersion of the cap, the must is then fermented spontaneously in 228 litre Burgundy barrels for 30% and in large wood for 70% and matured for 14 months before being racked in steel and bottled on a fruit day.

Dark ruby red with violet reflections and a dark centre.

The 2021 Grolleau from Clau de Nell is characterised by dark fruits such as blackberries, black cherries, mulberries and plums on the nose. There are also dark spices, black pepper, a little clove and aromas of black olives or tapenade, complemented by bay leaf, rosemary and dark tobacco leaf. The nose is focussed and clear with transparent fruit and captivating lightness.

The nose is reflected in the first sip with a refreshing freshness and liveliness that is a delight. All the attributes stand side by side so clearly and transparently without drifting into concentration, but retaining their lively freshness and silkiness. The ripe acidity accelerates the extract-rich fruit, the fine-grained tannins like dust on the palate set the direction of flow In. my. Glass.