Vin de Table Français Le Clos du Giron Cire Verte The Picrate Eric Callcut 1998

Though labelled a Vin de Table, this wine hails from the historic heart of Anjou – one of the strongholds of Chenin Blanc, the region’s principal grape, which has been grown here by monastic orders since the Middle Ages. Clos du Giron is a small, south-facing parcel on a gentle slope dominated by black and purple schist soil. These poor, well-drained soils are rich in minerals and give the wine structure, tension and salinity. The grapes are harvested by hand once they are fully ripe and are pressed directly before being fermented with indigenous yeasts. The wine is then aged on fine lees – often in old barrels or in demi-muids – for around 12 months and no additives are added during this time. The wine is bottled unfiltered and without added sulphur.
The glass shows a light golden colour that is slightly cloudy. The nose is expressive, blending aromas of white flowers, citrus peel and yellow apple with stony notes. The attack is direct and taut on the palate driven by ripe, almost waxy fruit. There’s a remarkable balance between the wine’s acidic energy and its silky texture, and the finish is long and salty with a hint of subtle bitterness.