Montlouis-sur-Loire Clos Michel 2023 Domaine de la Taille aux Loires

Domaine de la Taille aux Roux, although a very young estate founded some 20 years ago, is one of the most important in the Touraine region and is regarded as a potential leader in the Montlouis-sur-Loire appellation. The late Jacky Bro (1948-2023) led the estate and made a significant contribution to Montlouis-sur-Loire. He was the first person in the region to age his wines in barrels for a long time, and after its foundation in 1989, he also ventured into Vouvres, where he successfully expressed its exceptional terroir. The vineyards in Montlouis-sur-Loire and Vouvres are almost entirely allocated to Chenin Blanc, and the vines are managed according to organic farming methods, with minimal use of organic fertilisers and only minimal spraying required. The vineyards are ploughed to control weeds in the topsoil, encouraging the vines to take root more deeply. In addition, foliage was strictly controlled during spring and summer, and sometimes leaves were removed completely in late summer, leaving only bunches of grapes. This improves sunlight and at the same time greatly increases aeration, greatly reducing the risk of rot. The attention to detail that Jacky Bro, and now Jean-Philippe Bro, shows in the vineyards is carried over to the vinification in the cellar. Jacky has been active in researching the appropriate use of oak, in particular experimenting with barrels from different regions, different forests and different barrel makers. As a result, almost all of La Taille aux Roux's wines are wood-fermented in barriques, demi-muids or large foudres. This philosophy has been carried on by Jean-Philippe. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)