Product Description
Region : The AOC Coteaux-du-Loir is located in the region of the Loire Valley. Its area is 80 hectares and its annual production reaches 2,850 hectoliters. The basis of the soil of this vineyard is composed of limestone and covered by sandy clays or flint stone, especially on steep slopes. The grapes are provided with conditions giving rise to perfect ripeness: exposed from the South, a temperate climate with a continental influence and protection offered by a forest. Ripeness corresponds to a sugar content of no more than 144 g/l.
AOP : Coteaux-du-Loir
Grape Variety : Pineau d´Aunis
Domain : Domaine de la Charrière (13 ha)
Type of Soil : Clay and limestone
Density of Planting : n/a
Age of Vines : 25 years
Yield : 45 hl/ha
Features : 13 % alcohol, contains SO2
Cultural method : No chemical products are used. The soil is worked mechanically and harvesting is also done mechanically.
Winemaking : Fermented in tanks during 10 to 12 days with 2 pumping-overs per day. Malolactic fermentation. Matured in tanks on the lees. Fining is done with albumin from eggs. A light filtration with a filter plate is done.
The Colour : Light red.
The Smell : Fruity with a dominant peppery fragrance characteristic of the pineau d´Aunis.
The Taste : Spicy with a hint of pepper.
Serving Suggestions : In France this wine is called ”vin de soif”, literally meaning ”wine for thirst”. It is recommend with white meat or a fruit salad. Serve at 13-15 °C.
Aging Capacity : It is better to wait for 2 years before opening it.
Can be kept for 5 years.
Richard Rogers – :
This is a unique bottle of wine which perfectly reflects the territory of M Gigou’s vines.
Pale red in colour but with lovely complex flavours. It took me straight back to the cellars where it was made and where we bought it in 2016.
We drank a bottle with steak and French fries and in spite of the lightness of the wine could taste every mouthful.
This is not a bland mass-produced wine but a small production of an excellent, interesting, regional speciality using a very old variety of grapes.
A perfect expression of terroir.