2005 Domaine du Closel SAVANNIERES Clos du Papillon

The Clos du Papillon plot is a small valley (coulée), wonderfully well exposed to the light of the Loire. It contains schists, rhyolites, and quartz. The topsoil is very thin (60 cm), which allows for excellent drainage of rainwater. The conditions for vine development are difficult, forcing it to sink its roots deep to draw nutrients.

We have vines of varying ages in this plot, and we harvest in several selections to pick the grapes at the peak of their maturity. These different selections are aged in barrels, which we blend after a year. This blend produces a very long wine on the palate with a citrus attack, followed by notes of ripe fruit, exotic fruit, and a beautiful bitterness on the finish.

The long aging on lees gives it a very beautiful richness. Pure, straightforward, and very elegant. The tension and superb length on the palate make it a great wine for gastronomy, for lobster, scallops, smoked fish, turbot or other John Dory. It is also interesting with delicate white meats like capon or veal, accompanied by truffles or mushrooms. Great mountain cheeses like an old Salers or a 5 or 6 year old Comté also work wonderfully with this great Savennières.