Les Grandes Vignes Part II : New wines from the Loire

3/11/17 -

Last year we introduced the wines from Domaine Les Grandes Vignes, a sizeable Biodynamic estate in the Loire Valley that we have been really impressed with since we first started tasting their wines in 2015. We recently received a new shipment, and so figured it'd be a good time to re-introduce the estate to our readers, and highlight some new cuvées that have arrived, namely the two no sulfur amphora wines and the sparkling white and rosé.

The Domaine Les Grandes Vignes was first established by the Vaillant family in the 17th century, and has continued as a family estate to this day. All of their vines are farmed without pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or insecticides, and are certified organic and Biodynamic. It’s a lot of work, but they have a big family, and a trusted team of vineyard workers whom they employ year round.

Herbs and perrenials are planted annually, along with hedges and bushes. Treatments in the vineyard include various biodynamic preparations, tisanes, manure, and compost, with plant infusions and small amounts of copper and sulfur used to prevent mildew. Pruning and plowing are planned in accord with the lunar cycle.

Soils range from grey and green schist, phtanite, quartz, and ‘falun coquillé,’ to various gravelly and sandy types. Most of the wines spend between 6 and 12 months in barrels and tanks, with a stock of over 300 barrels on hand to ensure optimum vinification and ageing. Red wines are bottled without filtration or added sulfur, while whites usually see a tiny addition of sulfur at bottling. 

Eben Lillie