Bunch of Sauvignon Blanc waiting to be picked at Clos Roche Blanche

I gather that the first estate to start picking in the Cher Valley was Domaine Jacky Marteau, now run by Jacky's son – Rodolphe. They machine harvested on Thursday. It looks like a number of producers will be starting here on Monday including Thierry Delaunay (Domaine Joël Delaunay), who will picking Chardonnay for his sparkling wine. Thierry told me that his Sauvignon Blanc is now at 12.5% potential but with 4.5 acidity.

Thierry Delaunay

Across the valley at Thésée Vincent Ricard will also be starting Monday picking Sauvignon Blanc. Vincent expects to be picking quickly as none of his fruit is below 12% potential with acidities at 5.2/5.3 – higher than at Clos Roche Blanche and Thierry Delaunay.

Vincent Ricard

Elsewhere in Touraine picking for Noble Joué (rosé made from Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Gris) can also start on Monday.

Last night we tried another of the 2010 Sauvignon Blanc Ambassadors – the screwcapped 2010 from Thierry Delaunay of Domaine Joël Delaunay. The Delaunays are based at La Tesnière just on the western edge of the village of Pouillé in the Cher Valley, which should not be confused with Pouilly-sur-Loire home of Pouilly-Fumé. Joël Delaunay has long made good wines but when his son, Thierry, took over he brought a touch of modernity to the domaine. This 2010 is a good example of the modernity, starting with the screwcap closure. It has very clean, crisp gooseberry and lime fruit. Although not complex it is a delicious aperitif and last night followed on well with our starter of soused herring. 

Wines fom Thierry Delaunay and Domaine Joël Delaunay are imported into the UK by Stevens Garnier. 

 

Open days at the Domaine des Champs Fleuris in Turquant (AC Saumur and Saumur-Champigny) spread over the next three weeks:

23rd, 24th and 25th April

30th April and 1st May

7th and 8th May

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7th and 8th May@Joël Delaunay

Thierry Delaunay tasting Sauvignon Blanc juice during the 2008 vintage