Philosophale

Philosophale illustrates the calmness and the poetry of the Vallée du Loir as well as the complexity of the wine.
This cuvée is made only in exceptional years from selective picking of botrytised grapes over 18% vol., on the oldest parcels of Coteaux du Loir.

• APPELLATION:
  - White Coteaux du Loir - botrytised wine.
• GRAPE VARIETY:
  - Chenin 100%. Vines among the oldest.
• SOIL (TERROIR):
  - Clay with flint on tuffeau (limestone). Variation on clays and on the granulation of broken flint, sometimes sand.
  Several parcels located on 3 parishes.
• VITICULTURE:
  - Ground works : ploughing, earthing-up and hoeing. No weed killers.
  - Low yields. Manual harvest.
• VINIFICATION:
  - Natural fermentation in barrels. Maturing 18 months.
  - The final balance is the work of nature.
• TASTING:
  - 1999: Old gold colour, concentrated , intense and brilliant. Very complex nose of soft spices and crystallized fruits, backed by a touch of oxidation. Mouth surprising with a balance between liquor/acidity and purity brought by the soil. Impressively long on the palate. Le Guide Fleurus des Vins 2002
• SERVICE:
  - Open 1h in advance.
  - Serve in carafe at 10°.
  - Goes with: Figs stuffed with chicken, Munster cheese.
    See also: maturity period and food matches