Description
Chinon Domaine de Pallus, Bertrand Sourdais 2021
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, 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 ‘Les Messanges’: named after the original home of Cabernet Franc: the village of Messanges in South West France. The aim, here, is to let the fruit express its full charm and seductive personality. Soil is composed mainly of silex and stones. Hand harvested. Vinified in concrete vats with natural yeasts. Matured in vats for 6 months.
Enticing cranberry and cherry character, with underlying notes of bell pepper, rosemary, bay leaf and tobacco. Its fine tannins and vibrant acidity, make this a seriously easy to drink wine that pairs brilliantly with food.
Grape: 100% Cabernet Franc
Organic
