Wines made from organically cultivated grapes

FORTHCOMING EXHIBITIONS:

LATEST TASTING NOTES & COMMENTS ON THE DOMAIN:

2013 Guide des Vins de France by Bettane et Desseauve
Estate awarded 3 stars (up 1 star) = " High quality production, a reference in its region."
"Eric Nicolas is rewriting the Sarthe wine story with great style, placing it at its highest level. This ace chenin producer has gone back to scion selection from the estate, and his vineyard management has proved faultless from one vintage to another. Vinification is exemplary and the wines each reveal their terroir with maximum precision: the Coteaux-du-Loir are well grounded and the Jasnieres show a refinement and depth unique in the region. Even the Pineau d'Aunis appears to have been touched by grace."
Vieilles Vignes Eparses is classed amongst the 5 best dry whites of the Touraine, and
Hommage à Louis Derré is classed amongst the 7 best red wines of the Touraine (page 792/794).
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2013 "Les Meilleurs Vins de France" Wine Guide by La Revue du Vin de France
Estate awarded 2 stars / 3 = "Very fine estate, unmissable."
"Some twenty years ago, Eric & Christine Nicolas have been the first to lift high once more the hitherto extinguished flame of Sarthe wines. Their wines show all the potential of these forgotten terroirs. The reasons for his success are the same as they are everywhere else in France, uncompromising viticulture and simple but meticulous vinification. The Coteaux-du-Loir "Vieilles Vignes Eparses" gives a tight white wine, with remarkable aromatic refinement, (evolving towards gentian). The Jasnières fully justify the names of "Elixir de Tuf", "Calligramme", "Les Rosiers" and since 2009 a new cuvée "Premices" from a vine recently converted to organic methods. All express their terroir with clarity. These are must-haves for all Chenin connoisseurs. The unusual reds made from Pineau d'Aunis, powerful fine and delicate distil delicate spicy hints."
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2013 Hachette Wine Guide
Jasnières Les Rosiers 2010 : 2 étoiles
«  An intransigent believer in Agrobiology and Biodynamics, Eric Nicolas produces extraordinary chenin wines, such as Les Rosiers, which was Editor's Choice in the preceding vintage. The 2010 version offers sustained mineral notes, not unknown in the flint-rich terroir. Elegance is the order of the day here. On the palate the finish is long, smooth and supple with just a suggestion of great finesse . »

2012 Gault Millau Wine Guide
Estate awarded 6 stars / 7 (up 1 star) = "Exceptional production"
"Since 1995, and always with passion, Eric Nicolas has made great strides to improve the image of Sarthe wines. The vines are all worked and sprayed as little as possible. Thanks to massal selection and to a very crowded planting density of 9300 plants per Hectare, the wines have increased in depth of flavour, allowing Chenin (whites) and Pineau d'Aunis (reds) to give a rich expression."
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate #172
The Robert Parker's magazine gives extensive and precise tasting notes on all of our wines, with high marks from 90 to 95... Read the technical wine sheets for more...

Overall comments (extracts):
"Christine and Eric Nicolas has risen to the ranks of the Loire's (and thus the world's) elite white wine practitioners, a tribute to their insight and determination as well as to the inherent potential of this once renowned but for half a century moribund region.
(...)
Not content to craft world class whites, the Nicolas have also elevated the Pineau d'Aunis (a.k.a. Chenin Rouge) to levels no previous Loire grower or wine enthusiast envisioned."

Guide des Vins Bio 2010-2011  (= "Organic wines guide")
L'Effraie 2007 : « A fine example of a Chenin wine. Golden, the chenin nose (…) is full of complex and very typical scents of white fruits, white flowers, with a touch of minerality and hints of bracken, herb infusion and spices. The generous mouth unfolds smoothly and agreeably, and finishes with long and persistent suggestions of minerality and fruit. »
Vieilles Vignes Eparses 2007 : « A harmonious and elegant wine (…) of pale yellow robe. The nose displays a discreet bouquet of white fruits, white flowers, with suggestions of bracken, tea and the faintest mineral hints. On the mouth the wine is delicate, subtle, well balanced and juicy. The aging has been well handled, with 18 months in previously used barrels. An attractive finish on fruit and minerality. »
Les Rosiers 2007 : « Minerality in the glass. This bottle, clothed in palest gold, 100% low yielding Chenin, shows still understated notes of peach & sloe, with touches of sweet spices and attractive minerality. This minerality is to be found on the mouth, which is lively, fruit-filled, expressive and very well put together, and fills the finish which is long and persistent. »

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