Clau de Nell | Loire | Grolleau IGP | 2021 | 750ml | bio

Description

Product description for Clau de Nell Grolleau IGP 2021 (bio)

In 2006, Anne Claude and her husband Christian met the owners of the Clau de Nell winery. The estate in Ambillou-Château on the Loire River possessed great potential, with soils of clay, flint, and tuff and magnificent, old vines with an average age of 60 years, some even over a hundred. At the time, the estate’s eight hectares were planted with Cabernet Franc, Grolleau, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Leflaives purchased the estate in 2008, and the vineyards were gradually expanded. Cellar master Sylvain Potin manages the estate according to biodynamic guidelines. All three of Anne-Claude Leflaive’s children work on the estate. Grolleau is an indigenous variety of the Loire, which has only recently been vinified as a single varietal, primarily in dry form. Grown on a silty-clayey terroir consisting of gravel, pebbles, and red flint, the vines are over 100 years old. The vineyards are treated with biodynamic preparations according to the lunar calendar; the yield is approximately 25 hl/ha. Hand-picked, destemmed, and after a 30-day maceration period with gentle submersion of the pomace cap, gently pneumatically pressed, the must is then fermented (30% spontaneously) in 228-liter Burgundy barrels and 70% in large oak barrels. It is aged for 14 months before being combined in steel tanks and bottled on the same day.

Color

Dark ruby red with violet reflections and a dark core.

Nose

The 2021 Grolleau from Clau de Nell is carried on the nose by dark fruits such as blackberries, black cherries, mulberries, and plums. Added to this are dark spices, black pepper, a hint of clove, and aromas of black olives or tapenade, complemented by bay leaves, rosemary, and dark tobacco leaves. The nose is focused and clear, with transparent fruit and a captivating lightness.

Palate

The nose is reflected in the initial sip with a refreshing freshness and vibrancy that is a delight. All attributes stand side by side so clearly and transparently without drifting into concentration, but rather retain their vibrant freshness and silkiness. The ripe acidity accelerates the extract-rich fruit, while the fine-grained tannins, like dust on the palate, dictate the flow: Into. my. glass.

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Keywords: Clau de Nell Grolleau IGP 2021 bio Loire France

Wine Advocate

Score: 89

The 2021 Val de Loire Grolleau, entirely crafted from Grolleau planted in clay and flinty soils, reveals a spicy, peppery bouquet with aromas of violet, flowers, iris, raspberries and cherries. Moderately weighted and round, supple and fresh, it’s juicy and perfectly balanced with a gourmand, mouthwatering finish. This is a lovely rendition of this grape. Matured on fine lees for 14 months in barrels and foudres.
Yohan Castaing

Vinous

Score: 88

The 2021 Grolleau is full of personality—spicy and herbal, almost like a good tequila with its savory, agave character. Youthful and full of cool-climate energy and bright acidity, it’s an alarm-clock of a wine—there’s no way your palate won’t be woken up. Despite the challenging season in 2021, it feels more tamed and balanced than 2020. It’s such fun, but you are going to have to like a bit of acid. Serve ever-so-slightly chilled.
— Rebecca Gibb MW
Drinking window: 2024 – 2027
Review date: Jan 2024

Producer website: https://claudenell.fr/en/home/