Guide
to the Loire regions
Val du
Loir
Producer
Profiles – Coteaux du Vendômois
Domaine
Jacques Noury
The
cloth cap wearing Jacques Noury is a sixth generation farmer, the
succession passing through the maternal line of the family. With his wife,
Annie, he raises cattle for market and has 110 hectares of arable land
dedicated for cereal production. The cellar is located in an ancient cave
in the pretty hamlet of Houssay. From a central entrance three spurs
disappear into the hillside. At the front, there are the remains of an old
basket press which Jacques remembers was used up until around twenty years
ago. They started bottling their own wines in 1983.
Wine
Overview :
They work 14
hectares of vines on the plateau above Houssay, although only one third is
dedicated for the production of appellation Coteaux du Vendômois wines.
The Pineau d’Aunis vines here are the oldest, at around 70 years, with
Chenin and Gamay at both around 15 years of age.
The
Wines :
The
conditions for making wine are rustic to say the least and it is obvious
that wine doesn’t necessarily take precedence over the other functions
of the domaine, which are probably more profitable and generate a more
immediate return than viticulture. These are simple and rustic wines,
however if you’re passing through and you can find Jacques hanging
around, be sure to ask for a cellar tour.
2007
Coteaux du Vendômois Gris
Simple and
clean, but with a hint of possible premature oxidation. Clean, fresh and
mineral, but overall pretty dilute and neutral. Drink now. (12/08)
2007 Coteaux du Vendômois Blanc
Bright. Pale
appearance. Old fashioned Chenin nose of wet wool. Earthy and rustic with
some faint marzipan flavours. Lightweight, but with a nice thread of
minerality and firm acidity. Bitter to finish. This could age, but won’t
throw off its rusticity. (12/08)
2006 Coteaux du Vendômois Blanc
Clean but
neutral nose. Mid weight with a tight mineral structure. Flavours of
apples and pears. Bone dry, and this could evolve with time. Better
balance, with a good mineral finish. (12/08)
2002 Coteaux du Vendômois Blanc
Supple, open
and evolved nose, although still rustic and with some terpine and
‘organic’ aromas. Dry, taut and mineral on the palate with some
‘maritime’, oyster shell like flavours. Unknit and sour on the finish.
Very ordinary. (12/08)
2000 Coteaux du Vendômois Blanc
Straw-yellow.
Mid depth. Attractive and delicate honeyed nose. Forward and open. The
palate is beset with more maritime flavours and comes through as dry and
austere. Unevolved. (12/08)
2004
Coteaux du Vendômois Rouge
A blend of
50% Pineau d’Aunis, 40% Pinot Noir and 10% Cabernet Franc. Light,
organic and rustic. However, has a degree of attractive bitter cherry
notes and a spicy, savoury edge. Light, with raised acidity on the palate
with flavours of pepper and mint. Very rustic, but has charm. Grippy
finish with some bitterness. Drink now. (12/08)
2005 Coteaux du Vendômois Rouge
Dull
appearance. Mid depth red. Youthful to rim. Aromatic nose, but distinctly
savoury and animal. It shows some spice behind. A bit hollow on the palate
with some dusty flavours and is short on the finish. Drink
now. Average. (12/08)
Jacques
& Annie Noury
Les Caves Baudet
2 Rue Saint-Rimay
Houssay
T: + 33 2 54 83 36 04
T: + 33 2 52 86 65 32
F: + 33 2 54 85 19 30
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