Description
Chinon “Clos de la Pallus” Domaine de Pallus 2018
Domaine de Pallus, Bertrand Sourdais, Chinon
“Over recent vintages Bertrand Sourdais has refined his technique and now Domaine de Pallus is amongst the select elite group of most dynamic vignerons of the appellation.”
La Revue du Vin de France February 2013
Bertrand remained enthralled and ‘rooted’ to his native Chinon, especially for its emblematic grape variety, Cabernet Franc. It seemed inevitable, therefore, that he would someday devote his skills and sensitivities to developing the quality of his family’s 18ha estate, Domaine de Pallus, in Cravant-les-Côteaux, at the epicentre of the appellation.
In 2005, following his father’s retirement, Bertrand became the 5th generation of the family to hold the reins at Domaine de Pallus. His aim was, and is, to produce a wine of real acclaim at the estate, ultimately delivering the full potential of the Chinon soils, whilst also respecting its best ancient traditions. He has brought about significant improvements in vineyard management: lowering yields dramatically, introducing manual harvesting and converting to biodynamic principles (but choosing to remain uncertified), whilst also reviewing and enhancing all winemaking techniques in the cellar (extended maceration, longer and gentler élevage in 2nd fill barrels, less handling and manipulation, later bottling). His first vintages are already beginning to express the true potential of their vineyards: silky, deep and rich; Cabernet Franc without any of the green vegetal character, so often showing in the lesser wines from this region.
Chinon Rouge ‘Pensées de Pallus’: sourced from 3 parcels with an average age of 35-40 years. Soils range from a blend of limestone and clay, to heavier clay and lighter sandy soils. Natural yeasts for fermentation. Matured for 18 months in second fill barriques. Les Pensées represents Bertrand’s version of “Chinon in a glass”
Bright and fresh, packed with wild raspberries and red cherries. It has a delightful perfume, a feminine style and the vibrant acidity enhances the fruit. This great summer wine tastes wonderful chilled..
Grape: 100% Cabernet Franc
Organic
