Sancerre 'Clos Paradis' Domaine Fouassier 2022

The Sancerre Clos Paradis comes from a splendid post-phylloxera vineyard from 1902, which combines an extraordinary fruit texture with the unique minerality of Sancerre. Domaine Fouassier is one of the oldest custodians of the talented terroir of Sancerre, in the Loire, as the winery was founded in 1749 and has seen the succession of 10 different generations at its helm. The parcel from which Clos Paradis comes was planted by Jules Fouassier and is an emblematic expression of the local flagship grape variety, namely Sauvignon. Despite its current size of 56 hectares, the philosophy pursued involves the use of biodynamics in the vineyard to respect the identity of the fruit. A great terroir, at an excellent quality price.

The white Clos Paradis is made from a selection of Sauvignon from a single vineyard of about 5 hectares planted in the early 1900s. The careful selection of the grapes, cultivated according to the principles of biodynamics and with rather limited yields, is the prelude to an equally respectful work in the winery.where the must is spontaneously fermented in steel containers of 30-100 hectoliters, through the sole intervention of indigenous yeasts. The aging takes place in the same containers on the fine lees and lasts between 8 and 12 months. A small addition of sulfur before bottling.

The Sancerre Clos Paradis reveals itself in the glass with an intense straw yellow color. The first nose outlines great complexity and breadth, combining a generous fruity aspect made of ripe pear and hazelnut, with another almost viscous one of honey and resin. Underneath, mineral puffs conferred to the liquid by the terroir of Sancerre. On the palate, the liquid surprises with how it manages its material fullness, which remains perfectly balanced by a push of freshness and sapidity. Round and long, it is a wine that enhances various fish preparations, such as fish stew or first courses seasoned with seafood.