Configuration: (12 x 750mL)

Winery: Mary Taylorin partnership with Alice Berthier

Appellation: Côteaux du Giennois AOP, Loire Valley, France

Philosophy/Practices: Organic

Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

ABV: 12.5%

Why we love it: We’re big fans of Mary’s Core Collection of wines, which deliver true regional character and exceptional value. This wine marks an introduction to her Signature Collection: a whole new atmosphere of wines from some very exciting corners of the world. Crafted in very small quantities from remarkable regions, these wines highlight unique terroirs and artisanal winemaking, offering extraordinary quality and nuance.

For this Côteaux du Giennois, Mary is partnering with grower/winemaker, Alice Berthier, “whose vineyards are planted on hillsides of the Loire extensions of the geologic formations of Sancerre and Pouilly – that is to say, the same classic Sauvignon Blanc terroir, without the trappings of international fame. The terroir is a mix of 50% silex soil from the town of St Père, and 30% limestone and 20% clay from the town of Pougny, both in the heart of the Central Vineyards along the Loire River. Each plot is vinified separately and brings its own complexity to the wine.

As soon as they arrive at the winery, grapes are gently pressed and the juice is allowed to settle naturally for 36 hours. Spontaneous fermentation with ambient yeasts takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel. The wine goes through natural malolactic and is matured for a few months on its fine lees until the bottling is carried out in the spring. It rests for 8 months in bottle before release.

Alice’s vineyards are in organic conversion, and the holistic approach to her farming only serves to increase resiliency and quality of the grapes she’s growing.

93 Points (Wine Enthusiast) – Made from 30-year-old vines, this wine embodies the best of the Loire. Gold in color, the wine has a perfumed yet vibrant nose of pear, white blossom and forest floor with curious cedar hints. Red apple, dried grass and summer field herbs show beautifully on the palate and crescendo into a long finish. - Reggie Solomon

For purchasing on license, please give us a shout at hello@theroadwineimports.ca.