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

Description

Product description for Clau de Nell Grolleau IGP 2021 (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. In 2006, Anne Claude and her husband Christian met the owners of the Clau de Nell winery. The domaine 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 that time, the domaine’s eight hectares were planted with Cabernet Franc, Grolleau, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Leflaives purchased the domaine 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 domaine. Grolleau is an indigenous variety of the Loire, which has only recently been vinified as a single varietal and primarily in dry wines. 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 bottled in stainless steel and bottled on the same day.

Colour

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 are so clear and transparent, without drifting into concentration, but rather retain their vibrant freshness and silkiness. The ripe acidity accelerates the extract-rich fruit, and 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

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