The family-owned Clos Durandière covers just over one hectare in Montreuil-Bellay. It lies on a thin layer of sandy clay loam rich in iron oxide over very compact Jurassic limestone, providing perfect drainage, naturally low vigour and a unique refreshing acidity. In the winery, fermentation is carried out partly with whole clusters, followed by a 21-day maceration with no pump-overs to preserve fruit integrity and tannin finesse. Ageing lasts 24 months in casks that have held one to three previous wines, then a further six months in vats and six months in bottle to refine structure before release.
The wine displays a clear, luminous vermilion-red hue. The complex and expressive nose offers aromas of blackcurrant and blackberry lifted by floral notes of peony and rose. The palate reveals a juicy and flavoursome attack, framed by supple tannins, while the long, persistent finish lingers with a subtle smoky nuance.