Domaine de la Garrelière
Francois and Pascaline Plouzeau maintain an immaculate vineyard near the fascinating village of Richelieu which lies south of Tours quite close to the Chinon region. Here they implement strict biodynamic vineyard practices which are certified by Ecocert.
A feature of their lovely wines is the wonderful set of labels produced by local artists that reflect the naming of the wine. So the racy Cendrillon white, as the name suggests, has a Cinderella theme. Tasmanians will note a Samek-like whimsy in some of the paintings.
Their wines have been very well-received in the United States with the Washington Post raving about the straight Sauvignon Blanc and Parker rating the Cendrillon highly in edition 172 of the Wine Advocate.
Domaine de la Garrelière Touraine Cendrillon 2008
This lovely wine is made from 80% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Chardonnay and 10% Chenin Blanc. Just
30% of the Sauvignon Blanc spent some time in oak to provide additional
complexity.
This is a fascinating wine for us. The first couple of sips mark it as an interesting wine but, gradually, it opens up in the glass to reveal a complexity that belies its price. These three grapes seems to dance together to form an harmonious, elegant and appealing drink.
RRP: $30
Certified organic by Ecocert and biodynamic by Biodyvin
Domaine de la Garrelière Touraine Gamay Sans Tra La La 2008
This
was one of the wines that first made us sit up and take notice of the natural
wine movement that was sweeping through the Loire and Beaujolais and on into the
rest of France.
It is made from 100% Gamay and is fermented naturally without the 'help' of commercial yeasts. It is fresh, lively, full of flavour and, above all, delicious. Good for drinking anytime, anywhere.
RRP: $30
Certified organic by Ecocert and biodynamic by Biodyvin
Domaine de la Garrelière Touraine Le Blanc 2009
This lovely wine is made from 80% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Chardonnay and 10% Chenin Blanc. Just 30% of the Sauvignon Blanc spent some time in oak to provide additional complexity.
RRP: $28
Certified organic by Ecocert and biodynamic by Biodyvin
Domaine de la Garrelière Touraine Le Carabas Blanc 2008
The label on this wine reflects Carabas, the prince from the beloved Puss in
Boots fable. The wine is one of our favourites. It is delicate, elegant and very
satisfying. There is some residual sweetness here making it a perfect aperitif.
This wine is also made from Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc but here the Chenin dominates. This is a perfect example of why people in the Loire Valley are so entranced by the Chenin Blanc grape!
RRP: $39
Certified organic by Ecocert and biodynamic by Biodyvin
Domaine de la Garrelière Touraine Cuvee Cinabre Rouge 2007
This flavoursome red is made from a small plot of biodynamically-tended Cabernet Franc vines that are more than 25 years old. The wine is smooth and elegant and weighs in at 12.5% alcohol. Only minimal sulphur has been used.
RRP: $31
Certified organic by Ecocert and biodynamic by Biodyvin
Domaine de la Garreliere Vin de Table Milliard d'Etoiles - Petillant Naturel
Francois Plouzeau loves to experiment and he also loves the Loire tradition of making sparkling wines. This is a great example of what can be done with the grapes of the Loire to produce an harmonious, lightly-sparkling wine of considerable charm.
RRP: $35
Domaine de la Garreliere Couleurs de Temps Blanc
The Couleurs de Temps is a partially botrytised white wine that is sweet without being cloying. It is a perfect food wine that will match with cheese or dessert.
RRP: $45