Domaine Tessier, Phil-en-Bulle 2022

20 kilometres from the banks of the Loire river, Domaine Tessier can be found nestled between three forest massifs - Sologne, Cheverny and Chambord. The microclimate created here directly influences the vines of the estate, where two appellations coexist (AOC Cour-Cheverny and AOC Cheverny Blanc, Rosé and Rouge). The vineyard was established in 1961 by Roger Tessier and has remained in the family ever since, with Simon taking over in 2020. Like most of Loire, the soils here are predominantly limestone overlain by marine deposits and silica-clay, which combine to form the region’s highly mineral wines. Phil-en-Bulle 2022 is a blend of Romorantin and Orbois making this a hyperlocal pet-nat. Using the méthode ancestrale the wine is conserved for a year before disgorged. The resulting wine has a creamy texture with fine bubbles and a richness reminiscent of apricot patisserie which complements a sharp acidity. Phil-en-Bulle 2022 would make for a great aperitif or pair well with white fish and buerre blanc.