Domaine de la Garrelière
Francois and Pascaline Plouzeau maintain an immaculate vineyard near the fascinating village of Richelieu which lies south of Tours quite close to the Chinon region. Here they implement strict biodynamic vineyard practices which are certified by Ecocert.
A feature of their lovely wines is the wonderful set of labels produced by local artists that reflect the naming of the wine. So the racy Cendrillon white, as the name suggests, has a Cinderella theme. Tasmanians will note a Samek-like whimsy in some of the paintings.
Their wines have been very well-received in the United States with the Washington Post raving about the straight Sauvignon Blanc and Parker rating the Cendrillon highly in edition 172 of the Wine Advocate.
Domaine de la Garrelière Touraine Cendrillon 2010
This lovely wine is made from 80% Sauvignon Blanc
and 20% Chardonnay. Just
30% of the Sauvignon Blanc spent some time in oak to provide additional
complexity.
This is a fascinating wine for us. The first couple of sips mark it as an interesting wine but, gradually, it opens up in the glass to reveal a complexity that belies its price. These two grapes seems to dance together to form an harmonious, elegant and appealing drink.
RRP: $30
Certified organic by Ecocert and biodynamic by Biodyvin
Domaine de la Garrelière Vin de France Gamay Sans Tra La La 2010
This
was one of the wines that first made us sit up and take notice of the natural
wine movement that was sweeping through the Loire and Beaujolais and on into the
rest of France.
It is made from 100% Gamay and is fermented naturally without the 'help' of commercial yeasts. It is fresh, lively, full of flavour and, above all, delicious. Good for drinking anytime, anywhere.
RRP: SOLD OUT ALREADY!
Certified organic by Ecocert and biodynamic by Biodyvin
Domaine de la Garrelière Touraine Le Blanc 2010
This
entry-level wine
from the Touraine appellation is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc.
The Sauvignon Blanc provides the characteristic aromas and taste profiles that you expect from wines made from this grape in the Loire Valley. This vintage is particularly delicious with clean, fresh, vibrant flavours and a long finish. We think that the Le Blanc represents excellent value for money - and it is biodynamic and fermented naturally.
RRP: $27
Certified organic by Ecocert and biodynamic by Biodyvin
Domaine de la Garrelière Touraine Le Rouge 2009
This
entry-level wine
from the Touraine appellation is made from 100% Cabernet Franc.
The Touraine Le Rouge from Pascale and Francois Plouzeau is a biodynamic wine that shows why people in the Loire drink Cabernet Franc. The wine is smooth and elegant, has a beautiful perfume and is very low in sulphur.
We are very happy with this vintage. It represents exceptional value for money.
RRP: $27
Certified organic by Ecocert and biodynamic by Biodyvin
Domaine de la Garrelière Touraine Le Chenin 2009
This lovely wine
from the Touraine appellation is made from 100% Chenin Blanc, a grape which
reaches its highest expression in the Loire Valley.
On the Plouzeau estate, the clay and limestone soils seem to coax even more flavour from the 20 year old vines of Chenin to produce elegant wines with great flavour. The slopes on which the vines thrive face south west.
We think that the Le Chenin represents excellent value for money - and it is biodynamic and is made naturally.
RRP: SOLD OUT
Certified organic by Ecocert and biodynamic by Biodyvin
Domaine de la Garrelière Touraine Marquis de C Blanc 2008
The Marquis de C is one of our favourites. It is delicate, elegant and very satisfying. There is some residual sweetness here making it a perfect aperitif.
This wine is also made from Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc but here the Chenin dominates. This is a perfect example of why people in the Loire Valley are so entranced by the long-lasting Chenin Blanc grape!
RRP: $39
Certified organic by Ecocert and biodynamic by Biodyvin
Domaine de la Garrelière Touraine Cuvee Cinabre Rouge 2008
This flavoursome red is made from a small plot of biodynamically-tended Cabernet Franc vines that are more than 25 years old. The wine is smooth and elegant and weighs in at 12.5% alcohol. Only minimal sulphur has been used.
RRP: $32
Certified organic by Ecocert and biodynamic by Biodyvin
Domaine de la Garreliere Vin de Table Milliard d'Etoiles - Petillant Naturel
Francois Plouzeau loves to experiment and he also loves the Loire tradition
of making sparkling wines. This is a great example of what can be done with the
grapes of the Loire to produce an harmonious, lightly-sparkling wine of
considerable charm.
The grapes used in this 'petillant naturel' which is fermented in the bottle and not disgorged are Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc in equal parts.
RRP: $39
Domaine de la Garreliere Couleurs du Temps Blanc
The Couleurs du Temps is a partially botrytised white wine that is sweet without being cloying. It is a perfect food wine that will match with cheese or dessert.
This wine is sold in 500ml format.
RRP: SOLD OUT - NEW VINTAGE SOON