Julien Pineau ‘Roche Blanche’ 2023 Loire Valley, France

Description

Grape: Sauvignon Blanc

Julien Pineau took over half of the legendary Clos Roche Blanche estate in Touraine when Catherine Roussel decided to retire in 2015. He had trained with producers like Noella Morantin, Bertrand Jousset and Alain Saillard in the Loire, and at Les Terres Promises in Provence, before embarking on his own project.

Grapes are grown biodynamically in clay and limestone soils. This wine undergoes 24 hours of maceration before aging is stainless steel. No added sulfur.

This is a stunning natural sauvignon blanc with aromas of white fruits, melon and lemon zest, and bright herbal notes. On the palate, quince, dried herbs, grapefruit rind and minerals are backed by firm acidity. The finish is very long.