Description

The Arbois Terres Bleues from Domaine de la Touraize is a magnificent cuvée of Savagnin made using the ‘ouillé’ method. The terroir consists of blue marl facing north-west at an altitude of 300 metres. Fermented and aged in large casks for two winters. Hints of exotic notes, spices, lovely minerality, and a richness that in no way detracts from the freshness. This fine cuvée reminds us that Savagnin is not to be appreciated solely through the prism of oxidation. Ideal with grilled river fish, smoked salmon, scallops or sweet-and-sour dishes.

In the vineyard, in the cellar

Grape variety: Savagnin

Appellation: AOP Arbois

Soil: Blue marl. North-west facing. Altitude: 300 m

Area: 0.70 ha. Localities: ‘Petit Curoulet’ and ‘la Chenaillotte’ Age of vines: 10 to 40 years.

Cultivation method: ‘Guyot’ pruning. Arch-shaped training. Application of organic matter in late winter. Debudding followed by re-training. Vine treatments are exclusively based on copper, herbal infusions and sulphur, with no pesticides. Our land is ploughed several times during the season between the rows and ‘under the row’. Application of horn manure (500p) and silica (501) to naturally strengthen the plant. No chemical weed control. Harvesting is done by hand. The grapes are harvested in 300 kg crates.

Yield: 25 hl/ha

Vinification: Pneumatic pressing of whole bunches. Static settling by gravity. Spontaneous alcoholic fermentation using the grapes’ indigenous yeasts. Alcoholic fermentation and malolactic fermentation in large casks (28 hl).

Ageing: 18 months on fine lees in large oak casks (28 hl). Top-up with wine weekly throughout the ageing period.

What to eat with an Arbois Savagnin Terres Bleues from Domaine de La Touraize?

Scallops with saffron. Grilled river fish. Smoked salmon. Chicken in sweet and sour sauce.