TASTING FLIGHT FEATURING:

The Loire Valley

Home to the Greatest Diversity of Wines Produced in France

All paths lead to wine in the UNESCO Heritage-protected Loire Valley. Whether it's through royal Châteaux, picturesque chalky-limestone villages, or a deep oenological interest that prompts a visit to the region, travelers will invariably come across what many wine pros consider the perfect combination of approachability, quality, value, and cellaring potential.

This week we are excited to feature the Loire Valley of France for our weekly Tasting Flight!

You might be familiar with the wine from the region that has traditionally monopolized the limelight, Sancerre, but this is your week to expand your palate to the other great varietals from the valley known as the "Garden of France".

Over the centuries the Loire has been the embodiment of splendor, extravagance, opulence, gastronomy, and nobility.... with vineyards (and wine!) flourishing through the breathtaking landscape. 

Our $26 Loire Valley Tasting Flight will lead off with a white that originally placed the region and Sancerre on the global map, a classic interpretation of the Sauvignon Blanc varietal. A rich dry Chenin Blanc follows from Vouvray that exhibits notes of pears & honey with a pleasant acidity and a touch of minerality. The reds feature a fresh prominently Pinot Noir blend, and a 100% Cabernet Franc that will challenge any preconceived notions you have on the varietal with its rich fruit profile, supple tannins and generous finish.

These four selections are exemplary of the Loire... they offer the rare combination of discerning winemaking with way-above-average quality for a fraction of the cost (all bottles on the flight are less than $40 - talk about value?!)

Read on for some interesting facts on the Loire Valley, detailed information about the flight wines, and our tasting room hours at both South End & Park Road store locations.

I hope you are able to join us this week to taste what the excitement is all about with this re-emerging region of France that's perfect for this time of year in Charlotte!

Cheers,

Mark

Loire Valley Fast Facts

• The Loire Valley is the third largest AOC wine-growing region, the biggest producer of white wine, and the second biggest producer of sparkling wines in France
• Nicknamed the "Garden of France" for its lush rolling hills and orchards, it houses 56,900 hectares (more than 143,000 acres) of planted vineyards. A patchwork of microclimates, soils, and varied geographies has shaped the region's reputation for distinctive wines.

• Much of the winemaking activity is concentrated in four sub-regions with more than 51 appellations and sub appellations surrounding the Loire River and its tributaries, flowing from the east around Sancerre to the west toward Muscadet on the Atlantic coast — the mouth of the river.

1. Pays Nantais: known for the four Muscadet appellations in the area, the only wines in the world produced from Melon de Bourgogne grapes.
2. Anjou-Saumur: Anjou continues to operate as the de facto laboratory for experimental wines, and Saumur is known for elevating Cab Franc, and producing most of the Crémant de Loire.
3. Touraine: This subregion surrounding the city of Tours was ground zero for natural wine with a host of pioneering winemakers emerging in the late 1970s.
4. Centre-Loire: This is the shining birthplace of Sauvignon Blanc, the third most planted grape variety in the world, made famous by the dry whites produced from the Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé appellations.

• There are approximately 24 varietals throughout the Loire Valley, including classic grapes such as pineau d'aunis that are being revived. Four are prominent: Melon de Bourgogne, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Franc.

>> Tasting Flight Hours:

PARK ROAD: 

5:00 - 9:00pm Thurs & Friday

1:00 - 9:00pm Saturday

1:00 - 7:00pm Sunday

SOUTH END:

5:00 - 9:00pm Thurs & Friday

1:00 - 9:00pm Saturday

1:00 - 7:00pm Sunday

>> Tasting Flight Offerings:

Michel Vattan "O-P"

Sancerre Blanc 2022

Sancerre, Loire Valley, FR

$31 btl/retail

Michel Vattan employs sustainable viticultural practices, nurturing the vineyards in harmony with nature. The Sauvignon Blanc grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, preserving their delicate flavors and aromas. The winemaking process involves gentle pressing, cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks, and aging on the lees to enhance complexity and texture.

VARIETAL:100% Sauvignon Blanc, the iconic variety of the Sancerre region. The vineyards' limestone-rich soils and the cool climate of the Loire Valley contribute to the unique character and expression of the Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown here.

TASTING NOTES: This wine entices with its aromatic bouquet of citrus fruits, such as grapefruit and lemon, complemented by vibrant notes of white flowers and a subtle herbaceousness. On the palate, it reveals a lively acidity, crisp minerality, and a refreshing, well-balanced character. The wine showcases a medium body, a silky texture, and a long, satisfying finish.

Domaine Vincent Carême

Vouvray Sec 2019 

Vouvray, Loire Valley, FR

$35 btl/retail

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Vouvray with Domaine Vincent Careme's Vouvray Sec. Experience the purity and finesse of Vouvray in each sip, as the wine reveals its captivating story of the Loire Valley.

VARIETAL: 100% Chenin Blanc. It undergoes wild fermentation, of which 60–70% takes place in foudré and the rest in barrel.

TASTING NOTES:  This is a vibrant and expressive white wine with a rich and complex flavor profile. On the nose, it boasts aromas of citrus fruits, green apples, and hints of honey, followed by delicate floral notes. The palate is lively and fresh, with a pleasant acidity and a touch of minerality that balances the fruitiness of the wine. The flavors of crisp apples/pears and lemons are layered with subtle notes of white flowers, almonds, and a touch of honey. The finish is long and refreshing, leaving a pleasant sensation of minerality and zesty citrus.

Domaine du Salvard

Cheverny Rouge 2022

Cheverny, Loire Valley, FR

$26 btl/retail

Domaine du Salvard has been a working domaine since 1898, through five hardworking generations of the Delaille family. Today, all 42ha of vineyards are farmed by the capable brother team of Emmanuel and Thierry. Their youthful reds are known for great aromatics, and this '22 Rouge is no exception.

VARIETAL: A blend of 55% Pinot Noir, 43% Gamay, 2% Cot from 2.8 hectares of 20 year old vines in chalk and sand soils.

TASTING NOTES: A bright garnet-red in the glass. Scents of red cherries, cloves and earth. Fresh and lively on the palate. Flavors of strawberry and licorice dominate. Great acidity and well-balanced tannins, leading to a crisp finish with balanced tannins. Best served with a slight chill to highlight its bright, fresh fruit, and ocean spray vibe.

Domaine Arnaud Lambert

"Terres Rouges"

Saumur-Champigny 2021

Saumur-Champigny, Loire Valley, FR

$28 btl/retail

The Terres Rouges name comes from a collection of south-facing vineyards on the Saumur-Champigny’s most southern hill, Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg.

VARIETAL: 100% Cabernet Franc from 45-year-old vines that create this wine grown in clay limestone soil. Certified organic. No sulphite addition. Aged six months in concrete tank

TASTING NOTES: A true jewel from Saumur Champigny thanks to its ruby color in the glass along with plush black & red fruit and subtle peppery aromas. Well balanced with a medium body and a clean & refreshing finish

We will have your order ready for pick-up at our South End store or

at the New Flagship Store at 4001 Park Rd!

 704.332.9910 (Park Rd.) | 704.332.9913 (South End)

 mark@petitphilippe.com | www.petitphilippe.com

Wine Emergency? text us at 415.306.4283

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