Lise et Bertrand Jousset ‘Premier Rendez-Vous Version Longue’ Montlouis-sur-Loire 2017

Vinification: Extended lees-aging version of the regular ‘Premier Rendez-Vous’. Biodynamically farmed Chenin Blanc from 8 different parcels. Part silex/sandy soils over limestone (vines average 40 years old) and part silex/clay over limestone (vines average 70 years old). Hand-harvest, direct-press of whole bunches, natural fermentation in separate parcels in used oak barrels. Aging on old barrels for 10 months, followed by assemblage of parcels and 12 months aging on lees in tank. Bottled lightly filtered and sulphited (20-30 mg/L).

Character: All the vibrancy and aromatic complexity we know from the ‘Premier Rendez-Vous’, enriched and ‘cushioned’ by extended contact with lees. At its core the wine is still surprisingly energetic and ‘fresh’, but lined with creamy, yeasty layers that make it truly sumptuous. Fat and round in texture, savoury (almost cheese-y) on the nose, a beautiful food-wine that works a treat with rich fish, chicken or veal dishes, or 12-months old Comté.