2012 Loire
2012 was a complicated vintage for the Loire wine region, with a sunny start followed by a cold, damp spell bringing the threat of disease, including the almost-unprecedented simultaneous onset of both oïdium and mildew. The early-flowering Pinot Noir was the worst-hit, with a resulting loss of around 50% of the crop.
There then followed a dry summer, bringing the stress of drought, as no rain fell between mid-July and early September, when water finally arrived to relieve the vines. Many growers like François Cotat began the harvest in the subsequent dry period on the 27th of September - three days after the official Ban des Vendanges – picking for a week, successfully bringing the grapes in just before two weeks of rain arrived at the beginning of October.
The resultant wines are beautifully balanced, with plenty of fruit an edgy freshness. Most of the white wines are all around the 13% mark in terms of alcohol.. 2012 is certainly a vintage with great ageing potential, and this is a set of edgy, nervy wines which should improve for some years to come.
Adam Bruntlett, Wine Buyer
Prices:
Bottle
£13.95
Bottle
£41.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 8cs
Case price (Bottle 6 x 75cl)
Bottle 6 x 75cl 2cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Adam Bruntlett
Sancerre La Grande Côte is the summit of Francois Cotat’s range, and justly so, from a magical vineyard on the border of Chavignol and Amigny, the 2012 example is taut, leesy, pure salin, delicate, more generous on the palate but also more structured, more unresolved, more complicated, less prepared to embrace you. Needs plenty of time, drink from 2017 to 2027.
David Berry Green
To that end, Fidès is fermented in oak (20 percent new). A proportion of the barrels undergo malolactic fermentation, as evidenced by the buttery nose. The palate is rich, mouth-filling but focused, with citrus and a welcome streak of acidity, which makes this wine dance despite – or perhaps in celebration of – its fuller figure.