NV Franck Breton Méthode Traditionnelle Montlouis Brut

100% Chenin Blanc from 40-year-old vines, planted on exposed slopes of rocky silex. The grapes were harvested by hand and carefully sorted before being pressed. Méthode Traditionnelle, with spontaneous primary fermentation with indigenous yeasts in neutral oak demi-muids. No malolactic fermentation.  Bright yellow with a lively bead. Scents of ripe pear and quince. The palate is beautifully layered, with bruised apple and pear fruit punctuated with exotic notes of ginger and lemongrass. Nicely balanced with a soft minerality and juicy acidity leading to a fresh and fruited finish. The domaine is in the village of Saint-Martin-le-Beau, in the heart of Montlouis-sur-Loire. Franck took over the estate of Claude Boureau, his father-in-law in 2008. The domaine consists of just over 20 acres of vines, planted in the flint and sandy soils of this sunny microclimate nestled between the Loire and the Cher rivers. 

The vineyards are planted primarily to Chenin Blanc with some Cabernet Franc and Côt—or Malbec. Franck implements traditional methods and follows a rigorous regime of manual tilling, weeding, earthing-up and harrowing. He avoids chemical treatments and does not use any enzymes or cultured yeasts. Fermentation and élevage occurs in neutral oak barriques and demi-muids.