"Le Petit Chambord" 2023

750ml

Overview

François Cazin "Le Petit Chambord" 2023 is a vibrant and expressive wine from the Loire Valley, produced by the esteemed winemaker François Cazin. This wine comes from the Coteaux du Vendômois AOC, an area known for its unique terroir and exceptional expression of the Chenin Blanc grape. "Le Petit Chambord" is a remarkable example of Cazin's minimalist approach to winemaking, showcasing the purity of fruit, delicate minerality, and refreshing acidity that the region is known for. It's a bright, dynamic wine that reflects the harmony between the natural environment and the traditional practices of the vineyard.

Vinification and Aging

• Fermentation: After hand-harvesting, the grapes are gently pressed, and fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the fresh and lively characteristics of the Chenin Blanc.
• Aging: The wine is aged on the lees for several months, which enhances its texture, mouthfeel, and complexity without overpowering the natural fruit flavors. Minimal intervention in the cellar allows the wine to express itself freely, without the influence of oak or other external factors.
• Bottling: The wine is bottled with minimal filtration or fining, ensuring that its true character and the essence of the vineyard are preserved.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: The wine has a pale yellow color with green reflections, indicating its youth and vibrancy.
• Aroma: On the nose, "Le Petit Chambord" opens with fresh, zesty aromas of green apple, citrus, and pear, balanced by delicate floral notes of white blossom and a subtle hint of honey. There is also a mineral undertone reminiscent of wet stones, characteristic of the Coteaux du Vendômois terroir.
• Palate: The wine is light and crisp on the palate, with an energetic acidity that gives it a fresh, clean profile. The fruit flavors of apple and citrus are complemented by a touch of ripe stone fruit and a slight creaminess from the lees aging. The finish is crisp and refreshing, with a lingering minerality and citrus zest that invites another sip.

Food Pairing

"Le Petit Chambord" 2023 is an excellent pairing for a variety of dishes. It complements seafood and shellfish, particularly oysters and scallops, as well as light poultry dishes such as roasted chicken or turkey. It also pairs well with goat cheese, green salads, and vegetable-based dishes. Its crisp acidity makes it a great match for dishes with citrus-based sauces or fresh herbs.

Serving Recommendations

• Serving Temperature: Best served at 8–10°C (46–50°F) to preserve its fresh and lively character.
• Decanting: No decanting is needed, but a brief period of aeration can help enhance the aromas and reveal the wine's full complexity.

Aging Potential

"Le Petit Chambord" 2023 is a wine meant to be enjoyed in its youth, though it has the potential to evolve for up to 3–5 years. As it ages, it will develop greater depth and complexity, particularly in its mineral and floral notes.