Pale gold color; apple, peach, lemon-citrus, quince, honeydew melon, minerality on the nose and palate.
Brut; steady, small bubbles. Blend of 60% chenin blanc, 30% chardonnay, 10% cabernet franc. Fresh, lively, vivid fruits. Vibrant acidity with touch of sea salt minerality. Light body, pleasing texture. This is crémant, which is French sparkling made in exactly the same was as sparkling is made in Champagne (méthode champenoise/traditional method), but not in the Champagne region.
The Loire valley has chalky clay soils, very similar to nearby Champagne. The valley is noted for the abundance of vineyards. Wine growing dates back thousands of years. The oldest known Neanderthal engravings—dating back more than 57,000 years—are in caves in the valley. The Loire Valley is called “The Garden of France.” 12% ABV
The winery is the effort of Agnès and Xavier Amirault today, the sixth generation to work the land. Xavier’s grandfather started planting chenin blanc; Agens and Xavier added chardonnay more than 20 years ago to balance their wine. The grapes are grown organically using biodynamic principles. They have Ecocert organic certification and Demeter biodynamic certification. A forest protects the vineyard to the north, the vines grow on a gentle slop with southern exposure, gaining maximum sunshine. That is an ideal vineyard set up for the 92-acre vineyard.
Grapes are hand-harvested and selected. Whole bunches are pressed. Fermentation is by natural yeasts. The wine is made in the traditional method, with each variety made separately, then blended. The wine is left on the lees for at least two years to develop roundness and complexity.
Xavier Amirault is the owner and winemaker. He lived in the U.S. for many years before returning to France to take over the family estate. After taking over from his brother, Xavier converted the entire domaine to biodynamic viticulture. Today, Xavier and his wife Agnès are recognized among the leading proponents of biodynamic and organic farming in France. The winery is in St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, a village located east of Nantes, south of Le Mans, and west of Tours.
Domaine Amirault Crémant de Loire Les Quarterons Brut NV: Vivid fruits led by chenin blanc make for a tight, tasty, energetic, clean wine with excellent acidity. Chardonnay and cabernet franc contribute to the delightful medley. All vineyards are organic and biodynamic certified. Works as an aperitif with its vivid, rich fruit flavors. Pair with shellfish; lean fish; lighter chicken dishes; appetizers and snack food; charcuterie board with some fruit elements. Cheese—soft goat cheese is classic; havarti, parmesan, gruyère, brie, cheddar. As a sparkling wine with good acidity, this wine will pair with almost any cheese you enjoy. $35-40
Domaine Amirault U.S. importer website
