Grolleau IGP 2020

Wine Description for Grolleau IGP 2020 by Clau de Nell

Colour & Appearance

Luminous, intense violet-red with youthful freshness and impressive colour depth.

Nose

A fascinating aromatic spectrum unfolds: blackberries, blackcurrant and sloe meet a complex herbal bouquet of wild rosemary, sage and eucalyptus. Earthy, vegetal notes of beetroot and aubergine join in, along with a hint of elderwood – a wine of cool precision and unvarnished authenticity.

Palate

Juicy dark fruit pairs with fine spice and a multi-layered herbal interplay. A saline minerality runs through the wine, whilst meaty, umami-like notes lend depth. The structure is lively and fresh, never heavy – a wine that invites you to keep drinking.

Finish

Medium-length with lingering herbal spice and a fine saline trace that underscores the earthy character.

Terroir & Origin

The 60 to 90-year-old vines are rooted in loamy-silty soil on sandstone as well as in red flint on tuffeau – typical Loire soils that lend the wine its mineral precision.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Grolleau is an almost forgotten Loire grape variety, which Clau de Nell presents here in rare purity. Hand-harvested in 12-kilo crates, minimal yield of just 25 hl/ha, 30 days of skin contact. Ageing took place in 30% Burgundian pièces (5-7 years old), 70% in large wooden vats, followed by six months in stainless steel. Biodynamic viticulture in its purest form.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Perfect with earthy dishes: beetroot baked in salt crust with rocket and black walnuts, beef braised with green beans, monkfish wrapped in bacon on braised aubergine vegetables. Serve at 16°C from a decanter in a large glass.

Special Features

A pioneering wine that demonstrates what is possible from the underestimated Grolleau grape – primal, elegant and worthy of ageing. An honest, unpretentious food companion with great character.