Arriving with anticipation of both good food and wine a select group of sommeliers, retailers and wine professionals gathered at Medlar to listen to Sylvain Potin speak about the exciting wines from Clau de Nell. Located in the western region of Anjou not far from Samur, yet strangely close to no one else, Sylvain spoke of the opportunity and responsibility of working within the biodynamic movement, the terroir of the diverse vineyard and the variance of vintages.
The vineyard was purchased by Anne Claude Leflaive and her husband Christian Jacques in 2008, the vineyard itself is surrounded by fields and farmland with a small forest to the north, creating a secluded yet varied ecosystem for the vines. Clau de Nell currently produces three red wines: one from the lesser known Grolleau grape, a Cabernet Sauvignon/ Cabernet France blend La Violette and of course a traditional 100% Cabernet Franc. Tasting the 2011 and 2010 vintages of each showed amazing consistency of characteristics from the grapes but variance in intensity and structure due to vintage.
Lunch was accompanied by the 2009 vintage and a lovely 2005 Leflaive Puligny Monthrachet 'Les Folatieres' to start.
Tasting Highlights:
2011 Clau de Nell, Grolleau, Vin de Pays de la Loire- purple in colour with high concentration, aromas of black ripe fruit, black plums and green pepper corns, the wine is medium in intensity with restrained fruit flavours, firm but balanced intensity with a backbone of acidity. Very fresh style, refreshing.