Loire Valley Wine Month Sampler #1 - The Reds

Loire Valley Wine Month Sampler #1 - The Reds

A $139 Value, Sampler Price Just $102

April is Loire Valley Wine Month at Taylor's.  Most wine lovers will be familiar with Sancerre, Vouvray and the wide variety of fantastic white and rose wines produce there, but the red wines from this dynamic wine region are much less famous here in the states.  Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir are the most popular varietals, but there are a number or other red grapes grown here that also produce delicious, fresh and bright reds that are great choices for spring and summer sipping.

Bellevue Touraine Gamay - Since Burgundy's Pinot Noir does so well in Loire, it isn't surprising that their other main red grape, Gamay, also grows well in the cool Loire Valley climate.  A vibrant robe of garnet and a bouquet that’s  floral and fresh, with a hint of minerality. Tones of soft earthiness come only after being enveloped by a delicious expression of cassis and red ripe cherry fruit. Classically light in its structure, with well-balanced acidity yet this beautiful Gamay wine does not lack complexity, finishing with pretty fruit flavors accented by soft tannins, and hints of spice.

Reverdy & Fils "La Villaudiere" Sancerre Rouge - Just like there are WHITE Burgundys, there are also red Sancerre wines made from Pinot Noir.  The only red varietal allowed, Pinot Noir can make some beautiful and elegant wines that few know about.  Beautiful deep and intense ruby color with an expressive nose that reveals complex aromas of ripe fruit enhanced by roasted and smoky notes. After a rather supple attack, the wine presents a beautiful amplitude, all in finesse and elegance. Expressive aromas of ripe red fruits are elevated by smoky notes of roasted coffee. Soft with a silky texture, the wine opens up with beautiful volume and is full of finesse and elegance.

Domaine Brazilier "Margot" Coteaux du Vendomois - Coteaux du Vendômois is an appellation for red, white and rosé (vin gris) wines from 28 parishes to the west of Vendôme, the town after which it is named.  Red Coteaux du Vendômois wines are made predominantly from Pineau d'Aunis but may also contain elements of Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Gamay.  Pineau d'Aunis is a dark-skinned wine grape variety whose story began in the Loire Valley in the Middle Ages. Despite once being popular with royalty and wine lovers on both sides of the English Channel, the variety is now increasingly rare.  Benoit is the 7th generation to run this small family owned Loire Valley estate, this organic red is similar to and checks all the boxes of a well made Chinon Cab Franc and then some. Sour cherry and plum on the palate intermingle with peppery, dried florals and whetstone minerality. Crisp acidity allows this wine to be served at room temp or slightly chilled. 

Domaine Ogereau L'Enjouee Rouge - Domaine Ogereau was born in the late 1890s, when Emmanuel’s great-great grandfather, a miller and a farmer, planted vines after the phylloxera crisis to further diversify his production. Two generations later, Emmanuel’s grandfather was able to focus fully on the vineyards and sold wine in bulk to private clientele. Emmanuel’s father, Vincent, began estate-bottling.  Emmanuel was born in 1989 and he never thought of trying his hand at anything else and took over winemaking at the domaine while still in his 20's.
A blend of Cabernet Franc, Grolleau Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Gamay it presents a floral and spicy bouquet, primarily due to the Grolleau grape, which imparts delicate floral aromas and subtle spice notes. There is a distinctive peppery nuance, adding complexity to the aromatic profile. Gamay enhances these elements with additional floral and spicy undertones, while the Cabernet varieties introduce a fine, infused texture accompanied by crisp red fruit aromas.

Domaine de Pallus "Messanges Rouge" Chinon - Bertrand Sourdais made a name for himself at a winery in Spain, Spain’s upstart Dominio de Atauta, before returning to his family estate in Cravant-les-Côteaux in the heart of the Chinon appelation.  After his return home, he converted the vineyards over to biodynamic farming and implemented many new techniques in the winery that everyone agrees improved the quality of the wines produced at this small estate.  “Messanges” takes its name from the historic name for Cabernet Franc in the Loire Valley. Notes of wild strawberry, cranberry, and black cherry are balanced with notes of sage and tobacco, and a gravelly minerality, with fine-grained tannins on the palate.

 Domaine de la Chevalerie "Diptyque" Bourgueil - The Chevalerie Bourgueil Diptyque/Franco de Porc is from vines located deep sand and gravel intermixed with clay soils on an old alluvial terrace close to the Loire, at the foot of the coteau. This terroir  gives supple, fruit driven Cabernet without being green or too simple thanks to the Biodynamic farming of the domain. If you don’t believe Cabernet Franc can be delicious, juicy, savory yet fruity, just try this wine! The 2020 "Franco de Porc" (a play on words in numerous ways) shows a deep black/red color with aromas of forest floor, black cherry liqueur, black raspberry, bitter chocolate and licorice with bright hints of herbs and citrus peel. The palate is bright, sapid and supple with dense flavors of earth, black fruits, anise, cocoa and chalky minerals.

Please note that we can't always predict sales and supplies on every item, so it may occasionally be necessary to make substitutions on certain items in our sampler cases and 6-packs.  Thanks for understanding!