Clos Romans Saumur Blanc

This special, small batch finely-crafted Saumur Blanc originates in an 11th century clos on the south bank of the Loire River. There are only 4 Clos in Saumur, two of which Thierry owns. The sub-soil consists of a 30-centimeter layer of clayey sand over clay-limestone. Thierry planted the Clos in 2007 at a high density of 10,000 vines/hectare (the norm is 5,000), using selection massale - the Burgundian approach of mixing clones to de-emphasize the taste profile of a single clones and to better display the distinct character of the terroir. Hand picked grapes are fermented for two months in 400-liter oval casks. After pressing the wines are raised for 9 months on the fine lees. In the glass the Clos Romans is cristalline; pale yellow, with shimmering silvery-green hints. The initial impression of the nose suggests concentration, freshness, fullness and power. This is followed by fruit, flowers, vegetal and acidity. On the palate one discovers white fruits (apple, pear, peach), citrus (lemon, mandarin, orange, grapefruit, clementine), flowers (acacia, hawthorne, rose, Melissa), vegetal scents (jasmine, bergamot, ginger, ferns, gentian).