Domaine Tessier, Porte Dorée 2021

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. Porte Dorée 2021 is 100% Romorantin from vines up to 50 years old on calcareous subsoils. Malolactic fermentation takes place before ageing for 10 months in demi-muids, followed by barrels. The final wine is precise, full-bodied and saline with fruit-forward notes of quince, poached pear and candied lemon as well as wet slate. Porte Dorée 2021 would pair well with Cacio e pepe.