Description
On a small 0.83-hectare plot, a stopover for partridges, Laurent Maffeïs (Grès Vaillant) produces a lively, mineral Chenin with notes of lemon, white-fleshed fruit and acacia honey. The attack is supple against a very slightly effervescent backdrop. The richness and concentration are perfectly balanced by subtle oak and a lovely freshness on the finish. A lovely pairing with a leek tart or a Thai vegetable curry.
In the vineyard, in the cellar
Grès Vaillant’s Les Perdreaux Chenin cuvée in detail:
- Appellation: IGP Haute Vallée de l’Aude
- Farming: Organic (in conversion)
- Terroir: Cool, high-altitude terroir, north-facing slope, on sandstone bedrock, a 0.83-hectare plot frequented by partridges.
- Grape variety: Chenin
- Soil management: vines worked by our three draught horses, Rustica, Colette and Carolus, and grazed by sheep in winter
- Harvest: Hand-picked into small 12 kg perforated crates
- Fermentation: direct pressing and natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts, with a starter culture added beforehand
- Ageing: 7 months in oak barrels
What to eat with a Chenin Les Perdreaux du Grès Vaillant?
- Tuna tataki
- Leek tart
- Thai vegetable curry
- sheep’s milk tomme
