Philippe Tessier Cheverny Blanc 2020
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Coming from younger vines (less than 20 years of age), Tessier's Cheverny blanc is a blend of Sauvignon, Chardonnay and de Orbois. Aged primarily in tank with some very neutral barrels.
Founded in 1961 by Roger Tessier, son Philippe took the reins 20 years later in 1981. They are located in the heart of the Cheverny and Cour Cheverny AOCs with 23ha of vines. The vineyard exists in a microclimate that keeps the vineyards cool, situated between the Loire River and the forests of Cheverney, Chambord and Solange. The estate has been Ecocert certified since 1998.
Philippe believes that a wine should express the place from which it comes, the climatic conditions of the year, and the vigneron that produces it. Additionally, it must respect the life of the soil and the environment. He believes that wine should be delicious and must also be sound and healthy. Above all, Philippe says, it must be a natural wine.
With hundreds of white grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended white wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used in white wine blends, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a variety that creates a soft and full-bodied white wine blend, like Chardonnay, would do well combined with one that is more fragrant and naturally high in acidity. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
Praised for its stately Renaissance-era chateaux, the picturesque Loire valley produces pleasant wines of just about every style. Just south of Paris, the appellation lies along the river of the same name and stretches from the Atlantic coast to the center of France.
The Loire can be divided into three main growing areas, from west to east: the Lower Loire, Middle Loire, and Upper/Central Loire. The Pay Nantais region of the Lower Loire—farthest west and closest to the Atlantic—has a maritime climate and focuses on the Melon de Bourgogne variety, which makes refreshing, crisp, aromatic whites.
The Middle Loire contains Anjou, Saumur and Touraine. In Anjou, Chenin Blanc produces some of, if not the most, outstanding dry and sweet wines with a sleek, mineral edge and characteristics of crisp apple, pear and honeysuckle. Cabernet Franc dominates red and rosé production here, supported often by Grolleau and Cabernet Sauvignon. Sparkling Crémant de Loire is a specialty of Saumur. Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc are common in Touraine as well, along with Sauvignon Blanc, Gamay and Malbec (known locally as Côt).
The Upper Loire, with a warm, continental climate, is Sauvignon Blanc country, home to the world-renowned appellations of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. Pinot Noir and Gamay produce bright, easy-drinking red wines here.