Gilles Gaudron, 'Blanc de Chenin' Brut, Vouvray, Touraine, Loire, France
Pickup available at DECANT Napa - 2999 Solano, Napa, CA
Usually ready in 1 hour
Founded in 1890, Domaine Gilles Gaudron is now in its fourth generation, with Gilles Gaudron at the helm since 1993. Based in Vernou-sur-Brenne, the domaine farms 27 hectares divided into more than 50 small parcels on limestone-clay and tuffeau soils. Working with Chenin Blanc vines ranging from 5 to 30 years old, Gaudron is recognized for producing classic, terroir-driven Vouvrays that marry fruit intensity with mineral precision.
- WINEMAKER: Gilles Gaudron
- FARMING: High Environmental Value (HVE) certified; sustainable practices with reduced chemical inputs
- VARIETY: 100% Chenin Blanc
- TERROIR: Limestone-clay soils with a tuffeau subsoil; vineyards spread across Vernou-sur-Brenne in the Touraine district of the Loire Valley; temperate continental climate influenced by the Loire River.
- VINIFICATION: Grapes hand-harvested into slatted boxes; gentle pneumatic pressing; must decanted for up to 24 hours. Primary fermentation for one month at cool temperatures (~16 °C) with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel. Secondary fermentation in bottle (méthode traditionnelle).
- AGING: 18 months sur lattes on lees, followed by riddling, disgorgement, and an additional 3 months in bottle before release. No oak used.
- TASTING NOTES: Pale yellow with fine, persistent bubbles. Aromas of brioche, Granny Smith apple, quince, and linden blossom, with a hint of flint and chalky minerality. Fresh, crisp acidity on the palate, elegant mousse, and a clean, persistent finish.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Excellent as an apéritif; pairs well with oysters, scallops, shrimp, goat cheese, rosemary sea salt crackers, or tinned cockles and clam
Founded in 1890, Domaine Gilles Gaudron is now in its fourth generation, with Gilles Gaudron at the helm since 1993. Based in Vernou-sur-Brenne, the domaine farms 27 hectares divided into more than 50 small parcels on limestone-clay and tuffeau soils. Working with Chenin Blanc vines ranging from 5 to 30 years old, Gaudron is recognized for producing classic, terroir-driven Vouvrays that marry fruit intensity with mineral precision.
- WINEMAKER: Gilles Gaudron
- FARMING: High Environmental Value (HVE) certified; sustainable practices with reduced chemical inputs
- VARIETY: 100% Chenin Blanc
- TERROIR: Limestone-clay soils with a tuffeau subsoil; vineyards spread across Vernou-sur-Brenne in the Touraine district of the Loire Valley; temperate continental climate influenced by the Loire River.
- VINIFICATION: Grapes hand-harvested into slatted boxes; gentle pneumatic pressing; must decanted for up to 24 hours. Primary fermentation for one month at cool temperatures (~16 °C) with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel. Secondary fermentation in bottle (méthode traditionnelle).
- AGING: 18 months sur lattes on lees, followed by riddling, disgorgement, and an additional 3 months in bottle before release. No oak used.
- TASTING NOTES: Pale yellow with fine, persistent bubbles. Aromas of brioche, Granny Smith apple, quince, and linden blossom, with a hint of flint and chalky minerality. Fresh, crisp acidity on the palate, elegant mousse, and a clean, persistent finish.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Excellent as an apéritif; pairs well with oysters, scallops, shrimp, goat cheese, rosemary sea salt crackers, or tinned cockles and clam