Brut Tradition - La Taille aux Loups - Jacky et JP Blot

Brut Tradition - La Taille aux Loups - Jacky et JP Blot

From the estate

This sparkling wine is the work of Jacky Blot, a legendary figure in the Loire Valley (Domaine de La Taille aux Loups, located in Montlouis-sur-Loire), who passed away in 2023, but whose spirit and exacting standards continue to resonate in every bottle. Unlike most Crémants or sparkling wines from the region, the Brut Tradition cuvée is a true "Triple Zero": zero chaptalization (no added sugar to increase the alcohol content), zero dosage, and zero dosage at disgorgement. It is a pure, straightforward, and unadorned expression of the Loire Valley terroir.

On tasting, it is Chenin Blanc in all its splendor and vibrancy. The nose opens with notes of white fruits (pear, Granny Smith apple), fresh citrus, and a subtle touch of toasted brioche imparted by extended aging on lees. On the palate, the bubbles are remarkably fine, almost creamy, carried by a crisp, saline mineral tension, typical of the limestone soils (the famous tuffeau) of the appellation.

This is a great gastronomic wine disguised as an aperitif. Its straightforwardness and lack of residual sugar make it the ideal companion to awaken the taste buds at the start of a meal, but it will equally enhance a seafood platter, a scallop tartare with citrus, or even fine, firm-fleshed fish. Remember to serve it chilled, around 8 to 10°C, in white wine glasses rather than narrow flutes to allow it to fully breathe.