‘Les Tuileries’ Coteaux du Giennois Rouge 2021

Description

Pinot Noir/Gamay blend (about 80% in favour of the former) from a small vineyard along the northern hillside of the Loire river, between Gien and Cosne, north of Sancerre. Vines are around 40 years old and the wine is matured for a minimum of 18 months before bottling, contributing to the savoury flavours, balance and elegance of this wine.

Pale ruby in colour, light in body, the nose is packed with bright red berries, morello cherry, raspberry and cranberry with savoury woody spice. Fresh and fruity from the off with a fine acidity and crunchy tannins, there’s oodles of ripe red fruit on the mid-palate, framed by earthy notes of tobacco and garrigue, and finishing with delicate spice notes. This will age well if properly cellared, 8-10 years from vintage with peak drinking at 4-5 years.

Coteaux du Giennois is a small appellation of less than 200 hectares, situated north-east of Sancerre on the banks of the river Loire. The limestone soil is characteristically flinty, producing crisp, fruity, minerally white wines, and light, elegant, fruity reds.