Emptying 2011 Sauvignon Blanc grapes into the trailer

The 2011 vintage started at the CRB this afternoon despite the overnight rain and despite it being Friday – "work started on a Friday is never finished" is an old saying. The Sauvignon Blanc grapes looked good with rare traces of rot plus some affected by wasp stings which apparently produces vinegar and affected bunches need to be discarded.

"When we checked the maturity of the grapes they were at 11.5%-12% potential," said Catherine Roussel, "but the acidity levels are already low – 4.5. I'm happy if our Sauvignon Cuvée No2 is around 12%. I'm tired of Sauvignon at 14%, although the grapes for Cuvée No 5 will be a bit riper but No2 is for easy, refreshing drinking."

The team of pickers gathers for the off 

Catherine Roussel issuing instructions on what to pick and what not to ...

Two hod carriers – on right Laurent Saillard

Making a start

2011 Sauvignon Blanc (above and below)

Bucket of grapes 

Laurent sending a text, while waiting for the next load of grapes

Catherine watching grapes go into the trailer

Bunches building up in trailer

Dog's verdict on pickers and the 2011 vintage

Mark Angeli: le vedette de Thouarcé devant les étoiles

 

Nadège Lelandais

 

Aymeric Hlaire: very promising new producer from Le Puy Notre-Dame 

 

 Sylvain Martinez and his Goutte d'O

Another two promising young vignerons: Catherine Roussel (Clos Roche Blanche) and Mark Angeli (La Ferme de la Sansonnière)

Joseph Landron (Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine)

Eddy and Mileine Oosterlinck-Bracke, Domaine de Juchepie: Eddy pouring 2002 Le Quinressence

A new direction for Jo Pithon – Languedoc?

Notes on the tasting to follow.

15th November 2009

2000 Terres Blanches, Clos Roches Blanches
(apologies for lack of focus)

Over lunch following the SCI Les Huîtres Petillantes meeting we drank the 2000 Terres Blanches from the Clos Roches Blanches. Terres Blanches is Catherine Roussel and Didier Barouillet's Chardonnay. John hadn't intended to keep the bottle so long – a question of it being forgotten in a cupboard. Any concern that it might be past it were rapidly dispelled with its soft, rich, slightly buttery fruit with crisp acidity in the finish. A fine bottle and more reminiscent of Chablis/Coteaux Charitois than the Côte d'Or.

2004 Mi Pente, Domaine de la Butte

For the main course of casseroled rabbit the 2004 Mi-Pente, Domaine de la Butte, Jacky Blot with its classic Loire balance of fruit and acidity was a fine match. No sign with the rabbit of an angular tannins that one might expect from 2004. Mi Pente is the best parcel of Jacky's 16ha Domaine de la Butte.