A particular favorite of ours from the Loire Valley (France).
The Loire River is the longest river in France (629 miles), and flows north from its headwaters in the central mountains and then westward to the Atlantic. The lower Loire Valley is one of the most amazing and diverse viticultural areas of the world. The unique geological history of the river valley, complex and varied surface and bed rock, diverse soils, the mild year-round climate, virtually no mountain influence (i.e. thunderstorms, hail), high summer temperatures, low rainfall, and of course the Maritime climate of the western edge. The short and long of it is – the Loire and its many appellations is just right for vines and making wonderful wine. These wines from the lower Loire have the power to transport the wine drinker, leaving one day-dreaming about medieval chateaux and picnics along the banks of this beautiful place.
James E. Wilson, author of “Terroir”, speaks of the diversity and magical combination of all the elements of the Loire Valley winemaking region:
“The valley of the lower reaches of the mighty Loire is a veritable garden of wines. There are reds, whites, and rosés, in all styles, from dry to sweet: from still to sparkling. There are picnic wines for shady banks of lazy rivers. There are wines for formal dinners. There are wines for remembering history. There are wines for the modern mood. The personality and character of the wines change with the geology”
The Anjou-Saumur is large region located in center of the lower Loire, devoted primarily to chenin blanc and cabernet franc grapes, has very interesting geology, encompassing limestone chalk vineyards to the east in Saumur, volcanic schists in its center, and granite-based soils to the west heading towards Muscadet. Traveling east to west, you’ll even notice that the houses change from white limestone to gray slate.
Located within the Anjou is the A.O.C. Côteaux de l’Aubance, “ The Aubance winds its way through subdued, hilly terrain with vineyards planted on gentle slopes.”
At Rendezvous, and with the great help of Oz Pacific Wine Importers in Lawrence, MA, we are please to offer some special wines from a special domaine located in the Côteaux de l’Aubance: Domaine Richou. A family operation founded in 1920, the domaine is a modest property off a country road deep in the Anjou Noir, so called because of the prevalence of schists in the geological makeup of this section. The domaine is managed by brothers Didier and Damien Richou. Damien is responsible for the domaine’s 72 acres of vines while Didier handles vinification. “Didier Richou,” writes Jacqueline Friedrich, “doesn’t know how to make bad wine.” The domaine does not use chemical fertilizers, and they work the soil and do their harvesting by hand.
Domain Richou’s wine making philosphy:
“Each year the wines produced faithfully express the environment in which the grapes matured. The balance in the estate’s wines stems from respect of the soils and the vines; the wine’s character is forged by the men and women who work the land.
This sensitivity and care results in wines which are refined, elegant, mineral, full of freshness and are enticingly inviting.
Here’s to subtlety! Here’s to lightness! Here’s to conviviality! Here’s to wines which communicate all of these so wonderfully!”
We currently have two of their wines on our list.
La Sélection 2005 100% chenin blanc, offers complex minerality, honeyed fruit, is a rich with a wonderful, full and lush mouth feel. Great as a starter to whet your appetite, on our list for $52.
The 4 Chemins 2006 is mostly cabernet franc and some cabernet sauvignon, truly a great bistro wine. Fresh, dark red-ripe fruit, it and pairs easily with our menu, like the braised lamb shank, duck three ways and steak-frites, and is on our list for $30.