11 December 2009
Simon gave me this bottle to try when we stayed at their excellent chambres d'hôtes (Domaine du Fontenay) in the Côte Roannaise in August with the instruction not to taste this cuvée until the end this year at the earliest as it had just been bottled and needed time. The label explains the name – L'authentique – 'On the 12th May 1855, the Archbishop of Lyon came to bless the domaine's private chapel. This wine reflects the full bodied style produced at that time. Traditionally made with no added sugar or tannin. Bottled unfiltered.'
Inside the chapel
Made from 100% Gamay (the only grape allowed for Côte Roannaise) this is still a youthful purple, medium weight with vivid raspberry fruit and quite vibrant acidity in the finish. Enjoyable now but may well soften and mellow a little over the next year or so.
View from the decking of the chambres d'hôtes across La Loire towards Roanne
Inside the chapelMade from 100% Gamay (the only grape allowed for Côte Roannaise) this is still a youthful purple, medium weight with vivid raspberry fruit and quite vibrant acidity in the finish. Enjoyable now but may well soften and mellow a little over the next year or so.
View from the decking of the chambres d'hôtes across La Loire towards RoanneSee report of visit to Domaine du Fontenay here.
