2015 Remoortere Menetou-Salon Blanc

Region: Menetou Salon < Loire Valley < France  
Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: organic farming, in process of certification; calcareous Kimmeridgian soil
Winemaker: Antoine Van Remoortere

Joseph Remoortere left Belgium in the late 1960s to farm cereal grains in France. He eventually moved from cereal to grapes, and in 1990 took over the vineyards of neighbouring Château de Maupas. Now retired, he has passed the reigns onto his son, Antoine, poster child for the younger generation of natural winemakers in France. They leave the coop to learn from their idols around the world, then return home to the family vineyard with big ideas and a passion for working with less intervention and “modern” techniques, rather than more. Antoine now farms his 4-hectare vineyard organically, ferments with native yeasts and adds nothing but a small amount of SO2 at bottling – so what you’re tasting is that famous chalky limestone soil full of fossilized shells. From France’s universally fabulous 2015 vintage, this is pure, pristine Loire Sauv Blanc, with vibrant acidity and grapefruit, grassy and flinty notes. A seriously delicious glass, on par with the best in Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé. Try with fresh goat cheese or a bright, crunchy salad.