Saint-Véran “La Combe DesRoches” AOC 2020

Since Jean-Guillaume and Jean-Philippe Bret took over the domaine, founded by their paternal grandfather in 1947, in 2000, the winery has gone from strength to strength, which is impressively confirmed by the many praises in the international wine press. The Bret brothers switched directly to organic and biodynamic cultivation, have been fully certified organic since 2006 and were able to take over five more hectares of vineyards in various locations, all of which were already certified organic.

The AOC Saint-Vèran covers 670 hectares, whereas the parcel 'La Combe Desroches' only claims 1.5 hectares. The wine comes from 15 to 20 year old Chardonnay vines, grown at a vine density of 8500/ha on deep clay and limestone soils with a northern exposure at 250 metres above sea level. The grapes were harvested by hand and fermented spontaneously to 80% in tanks and 20% in used wood before being bottled unfined and unfiltered with 45mg of SO2 added after going through organic acid reduction.

Straw yellow with green reflections, bright and clear.

The 2020 Cuvée "La Combe Desroches" from Domaine La Soufrandière is distinctive and spicy. On the nose, hazelnut shells mingle with white coffee mousse, underneath which ripe, waxy notes of cellared apples and buttery salted caramel slumber. The sparkling fruit is framed in the spicy framing of this wine and is underpinned by salty minerality in the top notes.

It is also striking on the palate and combines its nutty character with malty notes of light roasted malt. The interplay between fruit and spice makes it the ideal sparring partner at the table. The silky tannins flank it on the tongue, the acidity lends it drinking flow and its nonchalant transparency. Closed overall appearance with a stable pulse and a long finish.