Christine and Joel Menard run this small domaine to very exact standards. Not only do their methods follow the biodynamic system, they also refuse to chaptalise (add extra sweetnes to the grape juice to increase alcohol and concentration), add any artificial yeasts, nor do they filter their wines. As a result the wines are beautifully fresh and natural in style and flavour.
Their sweet wines show Chenin Blanc at its best, gaining intensity and richness as you work up the range. Dentists beware the Evil Duck!
DOMAINE DES SABLONETTES Coteaux du Layon Rablay 'LE VILAIN CANARD' (2005) 50cl 100% Chenin Blanc
A bronze gold colour, it almost moves like syrup in the glass!
Unctuously rich and oily on the nose, but with apple spiced honey behind. On the palate the sweetness is astonishing (240g/l for those who want to know) but amazingly the tart apply acidity stands up to it.
This is really intense stuff!
DOMAINE SABLONETTES Coteaux du Layon Rablay 'LES ERABLES' (2005) 50cl 100% Chenin Blanc
A beautiful golden colour.
Good Chenin character, there’s almost a savoury hint to the fruit. The wine is wonderfully balanced, the sweetness, acidity and fruit all seem to sing together. It is sweet but a pleasure to drink because of all these contrasts.