Grolleau IGP 2017

Grolleau is an autochthonous Loire grape variety that is mostly used in residually sweet Rosé d'Anjou. The variety was hardly ever vinified as a pure variety before Claude and Nelly, the founders of Domaine Clau de Nell, did so and showed that it can produce a wine of great character that is as pristine as it is elegant and worthy of ageing. The vines of this Grolleau are around 55 years old, but more have been planted in recent years. They stand in loamy silty soil on sandstone as well as in red flint on tuffeau.

The yield is just 25 hl/ha. The grapes were harvested by hand in 12-kilo crates. They were destemmed and fermented over 30 days with only infrequent pumping over. Aging then took place for 30 % of the wine over twelve months on the fine lees in Burgundian Pièces from five to seven years, for another 70 % in large barrels. The cuvée then matured again for half a year in stainless steel.

intense garnet red with purple reflections

The 2017s Grolleau From Clau de Nell is an earthy spicy wine with dark fruit notes. Ripe plums and dates are present here as well as dark cherries and dark raspberries. A hint of violets lies over the wine. There are also herbs, a bit of a slightly damp, fragrant forest floor, some sweet cherry compote and even some incense.

On the palate the 2017s Grolleau an immensely independent Loire wine. The fruit combines sweet cherries, wild strawberries and raspberries in fresh as well as in slightly compote-like form. The bright wine appears fresh as well as radiant and has a lively but silky acidity and an immensely silky tannin. At the same time, the wine remains precise and structured, fine in its slightly earthy spiciness and definitely long and complex. At the same time, the wine easily has an aging potential of 15+ years. Along with Pineau d'Aunis, Grolleau is one of the most beautiful discoveries one can make in the Loire Valley.