Description
The Pichot family is one of the oldest in Vouvray with origins as viticulturists and restaurateurs going back to 1730’s. Their vineyard holdings are located mostly in the prime sites of Le Mont and Haut Lieu at the top of the village, with several other holdings scattered throughout the appellation. All harvesting is done by hand and yields are kept low at an average 25 hl/ha.
Domaine Pichot is an amalgamation of the properties of the father (Jean-Claude) ‘Coteau de la Biche’ and the son (Christophe) ‘Peu de la Moriette’, hence the different labels bearing the name Pichot. The Pichot’s are well known for the brilliant quality of the stunning sweet wines, although their dry and demi-sec wines are also superb. Right across the range these are remarkably good value wines that will also provide great satisfaction from a young age. I can not commend these wines more highly, they are superb.
This is the third release from the Clos St Mathurin vineyard, which comes from one hectare of vines located in the northern limit of the Première Côte site of Le Marigny just above the village in the heart of the appellation. “..within Le Marigny he also owns the Clos Saint Mathurin, a name not reflected in cadastral maps and which has largely disappeared from use, although Christophe has resurrected it. It accounts for 1 hectare of the vineyard, the vines aged 35 years, and he dedicates the fruit to a single-vineyard sparkling wine.“ winedoctor.com
The cuvée is made in the méthode traditionnelle, with primary fermentation in 70% stainless steel and 30% in 400 litre used barrels, followed by two years maturation on fine lees in bottle. The wine is then disgorged and re-corked with zero dosage. The result is a very fine, crisp and beautifully composed sparkling Vouvray. Medium-bodied with a lovely fine mousse, it drinks very well as an aperitif, but also has the intensity of classic Chenin Blanc characters to accompany a wide range of dishes throughout the meal.
Do not miss this benchmark, serious, high quality sparkling for a modest price! Tip top bubbly here
Review for previous release “There are just 1 hectare of 35-year old vines at Clos Saint Mathurin, planted on clay and limestone soils. The fruit is picked by hand, and after pressing the first fermentation is in 70% stainless steel and 30% barrel, the second fermentation is in bottle, followed by 36 months sur lattes. This has a pale straw-gold hue in the glass and a firm bead. There follows a convincing nose, rich in dried citrus fruit, sweetly polished, with white currant and white pepper. It is smouldering and smoky, modern and reductive. Fruit rich on the palate, and lean in terms of texture, this has great acidity and a fresh mousse. Bright, sinewy and peppery, with a youthful and full stance, this is hugely impressive. 93/100” Chris Kissack,
RRP $53 Our Special Price $43.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine
