Denis Jamain, Reuilly

Denis Jamain owns 15ha of vineyards in the Loire wine appellation of Reuilly, about 10% of the entire appellation. The vines are planted on gentle slopes of limestone and clay.

The estate applies the principles of la lutte raisonée. Denis works with the three permitted varieties of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.

The domaine‘s wines are vinified in a very modern, temperature-controlled winery which is equipped with thermo-regulated stainless steel vats. Each vineyard parcel is vinified separately with full traceability.

Reuilly

The Reuilly wine region is situated in the department of Cher, in the eastern part of the Loire Valley in France. It is a relatively small wine appellation, covering an area of about 200 hectares (494 acres) of vineyards.

The main grape variety in Reuilly is Sauvignon Blanc, which produces dry, crisp, and aromatic white wines. These wines are known for their fresh citrus and floral aromas, vibrant acidity and mineral-driven character. Reuilly Sauvignon Blanc is often compared to the renowned Sauvignon Blanc wines from the neighbouring region of Sancerre.

In addition to Sauvignon Blanc, Reuilly also produces a small amount of red and rosé wines. The red wines are made primarily from Pinot Noir, while the rosé wines are typically produced from Pinot Gris or Pinot Noir grapes. These red and rosé wines offer fruity flavours, light to medium body, and a refreshing character.

The Reuilly wine region benefits from a continental climate with cool temperatures and moderate rainfall. The soils in the area are diverse, featuring a combination of limestone, clay, and sandy gravel. This terroir contributes to the distinct characteristics found in Reuilly wines.

The winemakers in Reuilly are committed to sustainable viticultural practices, including organic and biodynamic farming methods. They strive to preserve the natural environment and produce wines that express the region's unique terroir.

Reuilly wines are often enjoyed as young and vibrant, showcasing the freshness and purity of the Sauvignon Blanc grape. They pair well with seafood, goat cheese, and light salads. The red wines of Reuilly can be enjoyed slightly chilled and are a good match for grilled poultry, charcuterie, and mushroom-based dishes.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is probably the most frustrating, and at times infuriating, wine grape in the world. However when it is successful, it can produce some of the most sublime wines known to man. This thin-skinned grape which grows in small, tight bunches performs well on well-drained, deepish limestone based subsoils as are found on Burgundy's Côte d'Or.

Pinot Noir is more susceptible than other varieties to over cropping - concentration and varietal character disappear rapidly if yields are excessive and yields as little as 25hl/ha are the norm for some climats of the Côte d`Or.

Because of the thinness of the skins, Pinot Noir wines are lighter in colour, body and tannins. However the best wines have grip, complexity and an intensity of fruit seldom found in wine from other grapes. Young Pinot Noir can smell almost sweet, redolent with freshly crushed raspberries, cherries and redcurrants. When mature, the best wines develop a sensuous, silky mouth feel with the fruit flavours deepening and gamey "sous-bois" nuances emerging.

The best examples are still found in Burgundy, although Pinot Noir`s key role in Champagne should not be forgotten. It is grown throughout the world with notable success in the Carneros and Russian River Valley districts of California, and the Martinborough and Central Otago regions of New Zealand.