Isabelle & Noe
Rouballay own and run this charming small domaine in southern Touraine
on a plateau between the Loire and Cher rivers at Oisly SEE
MAP
This family run domaine is totally focussed on producing quality
wines. They adhere to the TERRA VITIS approach, which whilst not
truly organic, is a system which minimises the use of artificial
fertilisers and pesticides, with a view to ensuring that the soil
and "terroir" remain healthy and productive for future harvests and
generations. Two-thirds of their production is for white wines (i.e.
Sauvignon)
The Loire Valley
is often over-looked for good quality wines, but this is changing
as some of the better winemakers are really concentrating on good
quality, small yields and careful vinification. The climate here
is more influenced by the continent rather than the Atlantic Ocean
compared to the rest of the Loire Valley, and hence is often a
little warmer and drier.
Sauvignon Blanc is the star grape variety in this region, but very
good reds are also produced
The combination of soil and climate make this
region especially good for Sauvignon Blanc. Being cooler than wine
regions further south means that good crisp, full-flavoured Sauvignon
can be made, but without excessive acidity which can sometimes
spoil these wines. (The area is close to the classic Sancerre & Pouilly-Fumé areas,
which arguably produce the best northern hemisphere Sauvignons,
albeit at a price.) This wine from Domaine Octavie is delightful
- dry, fresh, clean flavours with well-balanced acidity. On the
nose it is quite complex and aromatic - grassy, gooseberry tones.
TOURAINE AC Cuvee Fragrance, Domaine Octavie
Despite a relatively cool climate, the region
(and this domaine) can also produce good reds, which tend to be
less tannic than wines from further south in France. As always
it is a matter of choosing the right grape varieties which have
the potential to produce wonderful wines.
This cuvée is a very successful blend of Gamay (immediate and accessible
fruitiness), Cabernet Franc (the red Loire grape - raspberry, earthy tones) and
Cot (also known as Auxerrois or Malbec) which brings body and structure to the
wine. Skilled blending by Noe Rouballay yields a lovely fruity, classy red with
lots of upfront fruit, yet satisfyingly long in the mouth. Great with cold meats,
pasta etc.