Crémant de Loire (Sparkling)

Amongst the traditional method sparkling wines, a Crémant de Loire is often a great choice, for both variety of style and value. This is a delightful example of what a change in grape can offer. This is 50% Chardonnay and 50% Menu Pineau (Orbois). The addition of the Orbois gives the wine more texture and length, as well as an added dimension to the fruit. One year of lees ageing gives a creaminess to this well balanced, lively fizz. Dangerously easy to drink!

Domaine de Veilloux is a small estate in a quiet part to the Loire Valley near Cheverny. It has been a family owned the estate since the French Revolution, and was taken over by Michel and Sylviane Quenioux in 1994. Michel, a firm believer in the health and environmental benefits of organic and biodynamic farming, implemented these practices from the start and obtained their certification in 1998. The domaine now includes just over 25 hectares, all of which are grown using sustainable, organic methods. Most of the wines are blends, including this Crémant, which is decidedly a step above a typical Loire sparkling.

Vinification: 50 year-old Chardonnay vines and 25 year-old Orbois vines planted in soils of silty sandstone over calcareous rock. Grapes are hand-picked and pressed immediately on-site. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in concrete vats and is temperature-controlled at 11 degrees. The juice rests on the fine lees until the February after harvest, then it is bottled. It then rests a further 1.5- 2 years on the lees. The wine is disgorged and a minimal dosage is added to reach an optimal balance between acidity and sugar.

Match it with: Any aperitif, shellfish, poached white fish or light cheese.