About this WINE
Domaine Nicolas Paget
Nicolas Paget is the latest generation of Loire wine growers to fill their father's shoes. In this case Nicolas is the 5th generation to do so, commencing in 2005. Since taking over, Nicolas has sought to raise the quality of the fruit by spending more time in the vineyard, employing sensible canopy management techniques while respecting the soil. He's also renovated his winery.
Based near Azay-le-Rideau with its charming Château on the road between Tours & Chinon, the Paget family have 17 hectares of vine in the wine districts of Touraine (7ha), Chinon (4.50ha) and Azay-le-Rideau (5ha).
The soils of Touraine & Azay-le Rideau are those of sandy clay, flint ('silex') and sandy, perfect for Chenin Blanc and Grolleau grapes . Grolleau is grown principally for producing their fineTouraine Sparkling Rosé. On the banks of the Vienne tributary near Chinon are found both calcareous clay for more structured Cabernet Franc, along with lighter gravels for earlier drinking reds.
Berrys are proud to be working with his pretty Touraine Sparkling Rosé, fine off-dry Chenin Blanc and his Cabernet Franc.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc is an important white grape variety planted in the Anjou-Saumur and Touraine regions of the Loire Valley and the most widely planted varietal grape in South Africa.
In the Loire it produces high quality dry wines in Savenniéres, and luscious sweet, dessert wines in Coteaux du Layon, Bonnezeaux and Quarts de Chaume. In Vouvray and Montlouis it can be dry, medium dry, or sweet, and still or sparkling. Whether dry or sweet, the best Loire Chenin Blancs possess marvellously concentrated rich, honeyed fruit together with refreshingly vibrant acidity. It is Chenin Blanc's high acidity that enable the wines to age so well.
In South Africa Chenin Blanc is easier to grow and is prized for its versatility. It is used as a cheap blending option with Chardonnay, Colombard, and Muscat but also bottled unblended. The best producers keep their yields low and produce impressive mouthfilling wines.
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Description
From his vineyards overlooking the Loire near Azay-le-Rideau, Nicolas Paget keeps up the tempo with this classic, off-dry Chenin Blanc; his so-called 'Melodie'. Only a few hundred cases were made of this delicate, self-effacing, pretty Chenin Blanc; a wine without a famous vineyard behind it, hence fruit-pure as a result. I continue to admire and enjoy its soft, pure, apple core fruit, so crunchy and clear; a 'joli' wine full of light and promise, the palate a delicious roll of what could be mistaken for being pressed apple juice.
David Berry Green
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