About the wine
\nThe Les Charmes vineyard is picturesquely situated on heights of the Anche district on the left bank of the Vienne, and its fabulous clay-limestone terroir continues in every drop of wine grown on it. The heart of this vineyard is the over three hectares of Chenin Blanc planted between 1994 and 1999, which produces rather low yields of 20 to 30 hl\/ha - sometimes even less. For this special wine, each bunch of grapes is individually selected for ripeness and harvested in several steps. <\/p>\n
After the juice is extracted by pneumatic pressing, vinification takes place in 225-litre barrels. One third of these are new barrels, while the remaining two thirds are perennial barrels. Fermentation is slow and natural in a particularly cool cellar, with regular batonnage for a more complex texture. After about three months of fermentation and an additional four to six months of ageing, the final production is a cuv\u00e9e in stainless steel vats.<\/p>\n
Appearance
\nThe pale to medium straw yellow of Les Charmes is a tantalising precursor of what you are in for.<\/p>\n
Scent
\nThe distinctive aromas of Les Charmes have a pleasant distance from the typical aromas found in wines from Vouvray, Saumur or Anjou. The exceptional Chenin Blanc offers a slight reductive note that transitions into a citrus-like perception with green and yellow nuances. Fresh notes of garden herbs, green apple and lime are also mixed in, making this wine bright, stony and sophisticated.<\/p>\n
Taste
\nOn the palate, the initial impression is confirmed. The bright, citrusy, stony and slightly smoky notes mix with fine elegance and finesse. Interestingly, the Chenin Blanc's powerful acidity is strongly reminiscent of the Saumur character. Green and yellow notes of pome and stone fruit are complemented by a subtle woody caramel note. But the wine still retains its coolness and clarity. The stony, electrifying minerality of Les Charmes tickles the tip of the tongue for a long time.<\/p>\n
Food recommendations
\nEnjoy this wine with chicken tapas with a light citrus-garlic sauce or a spicy rice cake with tofu and pickled radish. A traditional Gangnam Chicken is also a great accompaniment.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"