Clau de Nell | Loire | Grolleau IGP | 2019 | 750ml | bio

Description

Product description for Clau de Nell Grolleau IGP 2019 (bio)

Christoph Raffelt: On the palate, the 2018 Grolleau once again reveals itself as a completely unique Loire wine, somewhere between Cabernet and Pinot, somewhere between nobility and country life. The fruit combines wild strawberries and raspberries with plums and a few cherries; the wine appears lively and fresh, while the still-firm tannins pack a powerful punch. The Grolleau is always precise and structured, long and complex with a light peppery finish. The wine has aging potential for 15+ years. Along with Pineau d’Aunis, Grolleau is one of the most beautiful discoveries you can make in the Loire Valley.

Wine information

Christoph Raffelt 7.12.20: Grolleau is an indigenous Loire grape variety that is usually used in residually sweet Rosé d’Anjou. The variety had hardly ever been cultivated as a single varietal before Claude and Nelly, the founders of Domaine Clau de Nell, did so and demonstrated that it could produce a wine of great character that was as rustic as it was elegant and aging-worthy. The vines for this Grolleau are around 55 years old, but more have been planted in recent years. They grow in loamy, silty soil on sandstone, and in red flint on tuffeau (limestone). The yield is just 25 hl/ha. The grapes were harvested by hand in 12-kg crates. They were destemmed and fermented over 30 days with only occasional pumping over. Thirty percent of the wine was then aged on its fine lees for 12 months in Burgundy pièces aged five to seven years, and the remaining 70% was aged in large foudres. The cuvée then aged for a further six months in stainless steel tanks.

Colour

Dense purple, violet reflections

Nose

It appears deep and dark. The Grolleau from Clau de Nell displays black cherries, blackberries, and blueberries. Lots of licorice, dark chocolate, and warm leather. Cinnamon, juniper, black pepper, and eucalyptus clearly characterize it. In the background, there is a woody note reminiscent of currant bush wood. Dried blackberry leaves and green tea round it out.

Palate

Typical of a Loire rouge, the ingenious combination of juiciness, tannin, and minerality is fascinating. Full of fruit, its character creates desire and flow. The tannin is restrained and pleasant. It caresses the palate as if wrapped in silk. Velvety and cool at the same time, it coats the mouth. Wonderful. Full of elegance and depth. The dark berry aromas and its diverse spiciness come through wonderfully. The acidity is well balanced and skillfully integrated. The finish is clear and precise.

Information about the wine

Grolleau is an indigenous Loire grape variety, most often used in a sweet Rosé d’Anjou. The variety was almost never cultivated as a single variety before Claude and Nelly, the founders of Domaine Clau de Nell, did so and demonstrated that it can produce a wine of great character that is as authentic as it is elegant and aging-worthy. The vines of this Grolleau are around 55 years old, but more have been planted in recent years. They grow in loamy, silty soil on sandstone and in red flint on tuffeau (limestone). The yield is just 25 hl/ha. The grapes were harvested by hand in 12-kilo crates. They were destemmed and fermented over 30 days with only occasional pumping over. Thirty percent of the wine was then aged for twelve months on the fine lees in Burgundy pièces aged five to seven years, and a further 70% in large foudres. The cuvée then matured for a further six months in stainless steel.

Colour

Dense purple, violet reflections

Nose

Deep and dark, it appears: Clau de Nell’s Grolleau displays black cherries, blackberries, and blueberries. Lots of licorice, dark chocolate, and warm leather. Cinnamon, juniper, black pepper, and eucalyptus clearly characterize it. In the background, there is a woody note reminiscent of currant bush wood. Dried blackberry leaves and green tea round it out.

Palate

Typical of a Loire Rouge, the ingenious combination of juiciness, tannin, and minerality is fascinating. Full of fruit, its character creates desire and flow. The tannin is restrained and pleasant. It caresses the palate as if wrapped in silk. Velvety and cool at the same time, it coats the mouth. Wonderful. Full of elegance and depth. The dark berry aromas and its diverse spiciness come through wonderfully. The acidity is well balanced and skillfully integrated. The finish is clear and precise.

Copyright Vinaturel 2025

Keywords: Clau de Nell Grolleau IGP 2019 bio Loire France

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