LA GRANGE AUX BELLES La Chaussee Rouge (2008) Vin De Table Loire
50% Cabernet Franc, 50% Grolleau
A wonderful fruity, light wine - slightly different from the usual set of flavours you find in light Loire reds.
The Grolleau seems to bring out the best in the Cabernet Franc - lots of lovely strawberry flavours with just a slight nod towards the chunky tannins that so often puts people off this variety. It also adds a nice pink appley character with a faint spiciness.
It is the feel and texture that impresses most - it's light without being thin and acidic yet it has body without being astringent and clumsy.
Nice slightly chilled.
LA GRANGE AUX BELLES 'Le Vin de Jardin' (2008) VIN DE PAYS, Loire
70% Gamay, 20% Grolleau, 10% Cabernet Franc
The Grolleau seems to bring out the best in the Gamay here. Oodles of summery, fresh berries and just the right balance of acidity to fruit. The Grolleau also gives an almost squidgy texture that steers the wine away from what can sometimes be Gamay's over acidic nature.
Light enough to go wonderfully with even delicate fish dishes, but with enough juice and body to be drunk on its own - without inducing acid tummy.
Nice slightly chilled.
LA GRANGE AUX BELLES Anjou blanc 'FRAGILE' (2008) Chenin Blanc
The harvest for this wine includes 5-10% of grapes affected by botrytis - the mould which is used to make sweet wines, but fermented into a dry wine. This results in a glorious, rich tanginess. Full apple characteristics with a lovely crunch and well balanced acidity. Underneath is an interesting smokiness that gives this wine another dimension.
A long and involving rich finish.
LA GRANGE AUX BELLES Coteaux d'Aubance (2007) (50cl.)
100% Chenin Blanc
A rich golden colour and full deep character to match. The Chenin Blanc here is big with spicy apples and a good fresh acidity to balance the sugar. There are elements of wood showing on the palate, but in this instance it fits quite nicely into the overall character.
A rich, intense tangy finish.
LA GRANGE AUX BELLES 'Prince' (2007) Anjou Rouge
100% Cabernet Franc
A deep, freshly crushed fruit character to this wine. This is from the domaine's best Cabernet Franc vines. It has all the rich tannic nature you would expect but Marc and Julien have achieved a wonderful balance between this and soft elegant fruit. Serious stuff yet very approachable.