Saturday Wine Tasting 4/5

April 5: Loire Valley Part 2

Come join us this Saturday for a fabulous afternoon of wine tasting at The San Francisco Wine Trading Company! Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just looking to have a good time, this event is perfect for you. Sample a variety of exquisite wines and mingle with fellow wine enthusiasts. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to expand your palate and enjoy some delicious wines. See you there!

2023 Domaine du Grand Mouton - Louis Metaireau Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie Carte Noire $24.94

Domaine du Grand Mouton was established by Louis Metaireau in the mid-19th century and was one of the few producers to restore the quality reputation of Muscadet. Louis was the first producer to start aging the wines on the lees through the winter, paving the way for Muscadet Sevre-et-Main sur lie. Aging "sur lie" adds complexity to the grape Melon de Bourgogne, which on its own doesn't have much character. The lees add flavor, texture and slight carbon dioxide. "Sur lie" on a Muscadet label indicates the wine has been aged on the lees through only one winter and cannot be bottled before March 1st, the year after harvest. The Grand Mouton vineyard is situated in the heart of the Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine appellation. The grapes get ideal sun exposure, so the winery picks earlier than anyone else in France! They hand pick all their grapes which is rare for the region, as 98% of grapes in Muscadet are harvested by machine.

2023 Cyprien Perchaud Pouilly-Fume $31.94

Cyprien Perchaud is a second-generation winemaker in the Loire Valley. Before phylloxera hit the Loire Valley in the 19th century, the area around Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume was dedicated to the red grapes Pinot Noir and Gamay. After re-grafting became the solution to phylloxera, winegrowers realized that Sauvignon Blanc re-grafted much easier. Pouilly-Fume sits on the right bank of the Loire River, across from Sancerre which sits on the left bank of the river. There is a distinct gunflint minerality from the soil types, which continue from Sancerre, including silex and limestone. Funny enough, Pouilly-Fume comes from the historical name of Sauvignon Blanc, Blanc Fumé de Pouilly, which translates to "smoked white of Pouilly". It was named because the berries develop a smoke-colored hue at harvest, but it turns out the wines exhibit a smokey minerality as well. Unlike its neighbor Sancerre which permits wine of all three colors, Pouilly-Fume is exclusively made from Sauvignon Blanc.

2021 Nicolas Joly La Roche Aux Moines CLos de la Bergerie Savennieres $89.94

Nicolas Joly is known as one of the greatest biodynamic wine producers in France. The winery is extremely meticulous to ensure the best quality. The grapes are hand harvested, and each row of vineyards requires 3-5 passes over a five-week period. The wine ferments naturally, with only native yeasts and without temperature control. The wine is aged for five months in old, large French oak. The wine is not fined and is bottled with only natural sulphur. This comes from La Roche Aux Moines AOC, located within the Savennieres appellation (Chenin Blanc). It is 33 hectares of exceptional sun exposure and extremely thin soil that it earned its own AOC status. It is divided amongst a handful of growers, including 3.5 hectares owned by Nicolas Joly. The soil is composed of schist and quartz. The estate has been biodynamic since 1984.

2023 Jeremy Quastana Melissa Lavaysse Etiquette Bleu $36.94

Jeremy Quastana worked with Marcel Lapierre, one of the "Gang of Four" members from Beaujolais dedicated to low intervention winemaking. He is located not far from Chevery in the Touraine region of Loire. His style is drinkable wines meant for early consumption made with little sulphur dioxide. This is the Melissa Lavaysse Etiquette Bleu, 100% Gamay made with whole clusters, semi-carbonic maceration and zero sulphur. It is made with techniques Jeremey learned at Marcel Lappiere. Although Gamay is more commonly associated with Beaujolais, it is the most planted grape in Touraine in the Loire.

2019 Clau De Nell Grolleau $49.94

Clau de Nell has old vines on the property, with an average age of 60, and some over 100 years old. They grow Grolleau, named after the French word grolle, which means crow. This is a reference to its dark and deep pigmented color. Although it is not widely recognized, it is one of the most planted red grapes in Loire Valley. Clau de Nell has been biodynamic since 2000 and was recognized by CLAC, a company established to help French biodynamic winemakers export their wines.

2023 Chateau Yvonne Saumur-Champigny La Folie $31.94

Saumur-Champigny AOC is the crème de la crème of Saumur production. Its soil is clay and tuffeau limestone, which create ideal growing conditions for the vines. Although the AOC only requires 85% Cabernet Franc, most of the appellation produces monovarietal renditions. This is "La Folie" by Chateau Yvonne, which translates to "madness". Chateau Yvonne is located within a few steps of the Loire River, in the heart of Saumur-Champigny. The wine is fermented in concrete, with one of the vats containing whole bunches. It ages for 12 months in wood vats.

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