12% abv, Jean-Claude et Christophe Pichot, imported by Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL. Cork closure: natural cork. Biodynamic calendar: root day.
“Should the weather give its blessing, a great love story between man and grape inevitably begins with the most divine of nectars. To create a glass filled with this emotion, simply add and ferment lots of good sense, an almost obsessive respect for Mother Nature and a poetic heart,” so says Jean-Claude Pichot.
The vines have been in the family since 1770 and include 28 hectares planted exclusively to Chenin Blanc in the villages of Vouvray on the right bank of the Loire River. Christophe and his wife, Caroline, practice sustainable farming. The Coteaux de la Biche comes from a parcel of 20-30 year-old vines planted on clay soils with limestone and flint rock. The wine ages on the fine lees with 90% in stainless steel and the remaining 10% in 400-liter oak vats.
Tasting note: the 2016 Coteau de la Biche is medium gold in color with a clean nose of medium minus intensity with aromas of peach, honey and orange. On the palate this wine is dry with medium+ acid, medium body, medium alcohol, medium+ flavor intensity, and a medium+ finish with flavors of ginger, orange blossom, yellow peach, nectarine, apricot, and yogurt. It’s very clean and has quite a zest that should allow it to age well. Drink now or through 2028.This wine is very good: 9.3/10.
