Guide
to the Loire regions
Val du
Loir
Producer
Profiles – Coteaux du Vendômois
Claude
and Giselle Minier
Sadly,
elderly brother and sister, Claude and Giselle are likely to be the last
of five generations of farmers to tend vines on the plateau and west
facing slopes between Lunay and Thoré-la-Rochette. Claude, typically
paysan in his blue overalls and cap, offers an occasional shrug whilst his
bossy and very chatty sister takes control of proceedings. In theory, he
tends the wines and makes the wines, whilst Giselle oversees their farm gîte
and her eight cheese producing goats. Claude learnt his trade from his
late father, Robert, and as well as the 7.5 hectares of vines they also
grow corn, barley and sunflowers.
Wine Overview:
All the
vineyards here are under the ownership of the domaine. Apart from a little
sparkling wine and a Vin de Pays Chardonnay, the rest are bottled under
the appellation. In relation to other growers their vines are not
particularly old; the 2.5 hectares of Pineau d’Aunis was planted in the
1960s and their single hectare of Chenin dates from the mid 1970s. All the
wines are raised in fibre glass; the old chestnut barrels were last used
here for the 1983 vintage. The red wines are always blended, with the
assemblage completed after fermentation is complete. The Miners have long
been supporters of Pinot Noir in the appellation and first planted the
variety in 1968. Giselle is keen to point out that they feel the variety
is much better suited to the conditions of the soils here, with its
limestone bedrock. ‘Cabernet Franc was destined to be planted on the
sandy soils of Bourgueil’ she states. Although she is technically
incorrect, it was not my place to correct her. The wines are sold in
bottle and en vrac to both
private clients and négociants.
The Wines:
These are
paysan wines, but ones that show a degree of honesty and integrity. They
might be a little rustic around the edges, but they are as full of
character as the couple who make them. It will be a sad day when the
Minier’s are no longer around to perpetuate their rural charm.
2006
Coteaux du Vendômois Gris
Salmon pink. Closed nose. Quite light and simple. More expressive
palate. Very spicy but also a little high toned. Dry and mineral finish
with a flavour of dead yeast. Ordinary. (12/08)
2006 Coteaux du Vendômois Blanc
The Miniers
exert the right of the appellation here to add in 20% Chardonnay with
their Chenin.
Mid depth yellow. Clear, but not
bright. There is an impression of oak despite the fact the wines are
raised in tank. Rich and broad with a good texture. Also a bit high toned
on the finish. Mineral, flinty, stony flavours. Drinking now. Decent.
(12/08)
2007
Coteaux du Vendômois Rouge
The varietal
mix on the red wines can change from vintage to vintage. The 2007 carries
more Pinot Noir this year. Mid depth. Ruby red. A bit hot on the nose. The
palate is more attractive in a lighter, more rustic way. Flavours of
pepper and spice with some herbal notes. Lean, but attractive fruit. Good
length, although this is carried someway by the brisk acidity.
2005 Coteaux du Vendômois Rouge
Slightly
more Cabernet Franc in this vintage, although still Pinot Noir dominated.
Light, spicy nose with good richness. A bit high toned and rustic, but
this adds to the overall interest. A bit hot and cooked on the finish.
Drink now. (12/08)
1990
Coteaux du Vendômois Rouge
A blend of 80% Pinot Noir with Pineau d’Aunis. Very
good organic nose and palate – like a minor
Burgundy
. Soft and almost an old fashioned Rioja like profile, although the wine
saw no wood ageing. This was raised in tank and bottled in 1991. It shows
the potential for development, albeit in a classic vintage. Very
good. (12/08)
Claude & Giselle Minier
Les Monts
Lunay
T: + 33 2 54 72 02 36
F: + 33 2 54 72 18 52
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