This is an unmissable domain that has been making a name for itself in recent years. Far from prestigious sites of the Loire, Romain Paire has made it his mission to lift the Côte Roannaise to the heights of the region. His father developed the domain in the 1970s. When he arrived in 2005, he decided to renovate the winery and convert the 10 hectares of vines to organic and biodynamic viticulture. His wines are sought-after for their structure and balance.

When we talk about Gamay, our minds picture an easy drinking red. However, this variety can be made into a sparkling rosé which is exactly what Domaine des Pothiers has created with this delicious Eclipse. It uses the sublime local variety, Saint-Romain Gamay, which is known for its small, tightly packed bunches that produce extremely perfumed wine. Sitting on well-draining soil full of sand, which comes from the granite found south of the Côte Roannaise, at an altitude between 400 and 600 metres, the vines are grown using biodynamic methods. After being harvested by hand and sorted at the vines, the grapes are pressed straight away before fermenting at a low temperature. Fermentation continues after the wine is bottled. This traps the carbon dioxide, creating a sparkling wine. It matures on the lees for six to ten months with the bottle resting on its side.
Eclipse is absolutely delicious. It combines a subtle nose containing small red fruit aromas with a smooth palate and delicate bubbles. Enjoy well-chilled as an aperitif or paired with a raspberry tart.