Les Noëls de Montbenault

Young vines, which Thomas planted this 0.25ha plot in 2014. This lieu-dit is one of the most beautiful spots in Anjou, and the parcel sits on top of the hill. Richard Leroy makes his famous wine from this site. It is made up of grey and blue schist, as well as lots of rhyolite, a red volcanic rock rich in silica. Certified biodynamic. Direct press. Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, malo completed. Zero additions. Aged in 5 year old 500L barrels for 11 months, then another two months in tank before bottling. Not fined or filtered. Zero added SO2.

Again that noble reduction and huge mineral imprint. Pure and crystalline. Cool, clear frosty feeling when you smell. Frozen sliced lemon, apple, lime and rocks. Very straight and linear in the mouth, withy slightly more body than the others - tightly coiled up for now. With air the tension builds. The finish becomes more and more mineral over time. A brilliant wine from one of the best terroirs in Anjou.

- Ryan Larkin (Importer)