L'Esprit Libre
Varietal: Chenin Blanc
Region: Loire Valley
Country: France
Format: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Two plots about 100M apart. 30-90 year old vines grown on red sand, clay and quartz. Certified biodynamic. Direct press. Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, malo completed. Zero additions. Aged in stainless steel tank for 13 months. Not fined or filtered. Zero added SO2.
This reminds me of the 2017 Les Rouliers from Richard Leroy which we drank a few weeks ago. Beautiful reduction. Nose of sweet pears, lemon, lime and fresh apples. So light and fragrant, with an uplifting brightness about it. Just a dream to drink, freshness for days. Layers of flavours that linger. No heaviness here, just daydreams in the clouds. Frosty fleshy sensation on the tongue. Amazing tension too. Sweet lemon and lime acidity carries it so well. My favourite L'Esprit Libre to date.
- Ryan Larkin (Importer)