Adventures in Wine > Loire Valley > Taille aux Loups
Taille aux Loups
Winery: Taille aux Loups
Region: Loire
Sub-region: Montlouis, Vouvray
Montlouis ‘Remus Plus’
Montlouis Sec ‘Dix Arpents’
Montlouis ‘Triple Zero’
A new star has emerged in the heart of the Loire Valley: he is Jacky Blot of Domaine de la Taille aux Loups, in Montlouis, located on the southern bank of the Loire not far from Tours. Blot, a Loire wine broker by profession, acquired about 8 hectares of 50-75 year old vines in 1989. These prized, ancient parcels belonged to families that could no longer continue to cultivate the vines and so entrusted them to Jacky Blot and his team. Blot brings a passion and exacting determination to make wines of only the highest quality. The estate now comprises 12 hectares in Montlouis, Vouvray (and now 14 hectares in Bourgeuil at his Domaine de la Butte, acquired in 2002.) The core of estate lies in the Montlouis appellation, on a high plateau overlooking the Loire River. The soil is a mix of stony limestone and clay that allows for perfect ripening of the Chenin Blanc grapes. As the vine rows are now plowed (instead of being treated chemically) the roots descend deep into the limestone bedrock. This, combined with severe pruning and late season leaf-stripping, keeps yields low and enhances the concentration and complexity of the wines. Average yields are very low, and lower still in the botrytis-effected selections. Harvest is carried out by hand, as late as possible, in successive passes through the vineyards, with a sorting table placed at the end of each row to eliminate unsuitable grapes. After pressing, the wines ferment in barrels that have been crafted for the domaine from Troncais oak, with regular batonage and two rackings. None of cuvees undergo malolactic fermentation, thus preserving acidity and enhancing the wines’ freshness.
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