Christine and Joel Menard of Domaine des Sablonnettes have been making beautiful and affordable natural wines in Anjou for over 20 years now. Their simple yet elegant fruitiness and affordability have become many people’s introduction to natural wines. For more on their philosophy, check out this video interview we shot with them in 2011. Few people know that they actually got their start making sweet wines in the Coteaux de Layon appellation. We’re pleased to offer these wines today, by DI only.
All of Christine and Joel’s Coteaux du Layon are harvested in several carefully selective passes through the vineyards (tries) in order to produce ideally ripe cuvees with the help of botrytis alone (and never chaptalization). The harvest generally extends from mid October through the end of November. Indigenous yeasts help guarantee an authentic expression of the grape, the vintage and terroir.
LC4959 Domaine des Sablonnettes Fleurs d’Erables Coteaux du Layon 2011
- Harvested at 15-16% potential alcohol, 70 grams residual sugar.
- These grapes harvested from several parcels in Rablay show the beginning signs of Botrytis.
- Vinified in tank and bottled in the spring.
LC4937 Domaine des Sablonnettes Coteaux du Layon Rablay Les Erables 2009 -500ml
- Several passes at harvest through several parcels in the village of Rablay.
- 100% Noble Rot, 20 – 21% potential alcohol (150 to 170 grams residual sugar).
- 100% Noble Rot, a blend of several parcels of Rablay and Faye d’Anjou harvested at around 23% potential alcohol.
- Champ du Cygne is the official name of this plot which was declassified by the INAO in 1996.
- 100% Botrytis – some years harvested berry by berry!
- 21% potential alcohol (150-170 grams residual).
- Also harvested from the declassified parcel Champ du Cygne
- 100% Botrytis – in some years the grapes are harvested berry by berry.
- 25 – 26% potential alcohol (250 grams residual).
For pricing information, please contact your sales rep today if you’re interested in ordering some of these wines!