2021 Grolleau “Franc de Pied”Bernard Baudry
France | Loire
$36
Producers
To me, Denis Jamain’s sunset-hued rosé always contains an Alsatian tinge. While firmly rooted in Reuilly’s Kimmeridgian limestone soils—the same as Chablis—it has the silky viscosity, stone fruit, and floral notes reminiscent of Alsatian Pinot Gris to go along with the refreshing acidity and minerality I love in Loire whites. This unique combination pleases year after year.
—Dustin Soiseth
Wine Type: | Rosé |
Vintage: | 2020 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | Pinot Gris |
Appellation: | Reuilly |
Country: | France |
Region: | Loire |
Producer: | Domaine de Reuilly |
Winemaker: | Denis Jamain |
Vineyard: | 10 years average, 2 ha |
Soil: | Siliceous Gravel |
Farming: | Biodynamic (certified) |
Alcohol: | 13% |
Domaine de Reuilly France | Loire | Reuilly
Domaine de Reuilly France | Loire | Reuilly
Domaine de Reuilly France | Loire | Reuilly
Thierry Germain France | Loire | Saumur
Domaine de la Chanteleuserie France | Loire
Catherine & Pierre Breton France | Loire | Bourgueil
The defining feature of the Loire Valley, not surprisingly, is the Loire River. As the longest river in France, spanning more than 600 miles, this river connects seemingly disparate wine regions. Why else would Sancerre, with its Kimmeridgian limestone terroir be connected to Muscadet, an appellation that is 250 miles away?
Secondary in relevance to the historical, climatic, environmental, and cultural importance of the river are the wines and châteaux of the Jardin de la France. The kings and nobility of France built many hundreds of châteaux in the Loire but wine preceded the arrival of the noblesse and has since out-lived them as well.
Diversity abounds in the Loire. The aforementioned Kimmderidgian limestone of Sancerre is also found in Chablis. Chinon, Bourgueil, and Saumur boast the presence of tuffeau, a type of limestone unique to the Loire that has a yellowish tinge and a chalky texture. Savennières has schist, while Muscadet has volcanic, granite, and serpentinite based soils. In addition to geologic diversity, many, grape varieties are grown there too: Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Melon de Bourgogne are most prevalent, but (to name a few) Pinot Gris, Grolleau, Pinot Noir, Pineau d’Aunis, and Folle Blanche are also planted. These myriad of viticultural influences leads to the high quality production of every type of wine: red, white, rosé, sparkling, and dessert.
Like the Rhône and Provence, some of Kermit’s first imports came from the Loire, most notably the wines of Charles Joguet and Château d’Epiré—two producers who are featured in Kermit’s book Adventures on the Wine Route and with whom we still work today.
Charles Joguet France | Loire | Chinon
Catherine & Pierre Breton France | Loire | Bourgeuil
Grange Saint-Sauveur France | Loire | Vin de France
Thierry Germain France | Loire | Saumur-Champigny
Bernard Baudry France | Loire | Chinon
Domaine de Reuilly France | Loire | Reuilly
Catherine & Pierre Breton France | Loire | Bourgueil
Thierry Germain France | Loire | Saumur
Thierry Germain France | Loire | Saumur
Catherine & Pierre Breton France | Loire | Bourgueil
Thierry Germain France | Loire | Saumur
Thierry Germain France | Loire | Saumur-Champigny
You don’t have to be rich to cellar a great wine.
Drinking distilled spirits, beer, coolers, wine and other alcoholic beverages may increase cancer risk, and, during pregnancy, can cause birth defects. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/alcohol
Many food and beverage cans have linings containing bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical known to cause harm to the female reproductive system. Jar lids and bottle caps may also contain BPA. You can be exposed to BPA when you consume foods or beverages packaged in these containers. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/bpa