Château de Thésée

Touraine Chenonceaux AOC is an appellation coronated in 2011 to the best sites in all of Touraine, those around the Cher river, that great tributary to the Loire made famous by the magnificent Château Chenonceau that straddles its waters. The prescribed sites not only have very silica rich soils, but they are near to the river and have excellent aspects, improving the quality of their fruit. Moreover, maximum yields are lowered to 45hl and the planting density is increased to at least 5500 vines per hectare. Château de Thésée's site is especially impressive in that it faces south and sits just above the Cher river, enjoying added heat from not just the southern aspect but from the additional reflected sunlight off the water and the heat banking capacities of the river. The soils are 'limoneux-siliceux avec des éclats de silice', essentially a loamy silica rich soil with silica shards, like a less compacted / dense form of the flint 'Silex' soils of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé.

For this eponymous cuvée, their standard bearing "Château de Thésée", they do the entire élevage in terracotta Amphora, imparting a beautiful colour, weight, and texture to the wine that is instantly enamouring. This is one of the most unique Sauvignon Blanc's I've tasted in a long while, the way it caresses the palate, resounding like a bell tone long after each sip. Harmoniously balanced and hugely impactful, this wine delivers a ridiculous excess of interest compared to its price point. Drink now or let age for 7-15 years.