2021 VDF 'La Roche de Mûrs'

La Roche de Mûrs is a rocky promontory that runs alongside the Louet river (an arm of the Loire), bordering the commune of Mûrs-Erigné. There was a significant battle during the Vendée war in 1793, where 600 rebellious Republicans refused to surrender, and ultimately perished - mostly by jumping off the cliff into the river below. A monument (that you can see on the label of the wine) was installed in 1889 in time to commemorate the 100th anniversary. More recently, La Roche de Mûrs was classed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Marc had read that the site used to have vines around 50 years ago. He knew there was incredible potential here to grow phenomenal Chenin here, thanks to the aspect, climate, and blue and black schist that dominates the earth. After long discussions over several years with the local council and mayor, he was finally given permission to lease part of the site, on a gentle slope. This was in 2011, and it took almost two years to clear away all the rocks and shrub that had been left untamed for so long. In 2013 they proceeded to plant 2ha of sélection massale Chenin which they obtained from some of the best growers in the area. The first grapes arrived in 2016, allowing them to produce just 100 magnums for themselves and friends. But even for the first vintage, the wine was a showstopper, giving exciting promise for the future. Marc's dream had come true, and he is now confident that they will be able to produce some of the best Chenin in the world from this site in years to come.

The grapes are carefully picked and sorted by hand in both the vineyard and cellar. Direct press, then aged in their underground cellar in used 600L Stockinger barrels. The wine rests on fine lees for one year. Not fined or filtered.