The Coteaux de Vendômois is an appellation in the Loire valley based around Le Loir. Did you know there are 2 Loire rivers? There is La Loire, the river that stretches some 629 miles and then there is Le Loir, a smaller tributary much less well known and running through the appellations of Coteaux de Vendômois, Jasnières and Coteaux du Loir.
This wine, from Domaine Patrice Colin is 100% Pineau d’Aunis, an unusual grape variety that we love. It has soft fruit and a big hint of white pepper on both the nose and palate. Think of it as a red Gruner Veltliner in style.
Perfect with spicy food and a good switch over for fish dishes when you’re in the mood for a red. The domaine goes back 8 generations and like many domaines in the Loire valley, until recently also had wheat and cattle.
Today wine is the focus and these Pineau d’Aunis vines were planted in 1920 and produce very small yields. It’s a great example of the grape variety and very characteristic of the appellation.
