My Wine Experience New Workshop: Loire Valley Wines Exploration
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Château Soucherie: in the heart of the Loire Valley
Some of you might have noticed that I have been busy promoting the Loire Valley wines lately. It is a region that is really close to my heart as I grew up along this beautiful river. Going back to memory lane, I remember biking along the banks of the Loire as a kid, exploring the beautiful countryside... I also remember bottling Bourgueil with my dad: he was buying the barrel directly from the producer and my task was to glue the label onto the bottle. I was eight years old and took my job very seriously! Who knows, maybe that is where my love for wine started?
I still love to go back to Touraine, to breath in the famous mild air from the Loire and, of course, to drink its fabulous wines. So, it has been a privilege to be able to share my love of the region with my friends in Hong Kong.
A few weeks ago, the event at Bistro Winebeast brought more than 30 participants and two nights ago, I was talking to more than 45 members of the Foreign Correspondent Club about the Loire: a unique privilege and, I may say, a great success! Next, is Vinexpo at the end of May where I will talk about the Loire at one of the France Pavilion workshop.
These events would not have been possible without the help of Château Soucherie.
Château Soucherie is a domaine located in Anjou Saumur that offers a wide range of wines from the Loire: from sparkling to still wines, from dry to sweet, from whites to reds and even rosés: the whole spectrum of wines is there, all delicious and refined.
Not only, do I encourage you to try their wines (see below) but also I strongly advise you to go visit their Chateau on your next holiday. The Loire Valley is indeed one of the best places in the world to do oenotourism: hundreds of beautiful chateaux to explore, easy paths to bike on, a mild climate and of course, delicious wines. Château Soucherie is proposing several tastely decorated rooms in the chateau and a gîte nearby as well as tours of the vineyard and winery: you should go!
Until then, you can try their wines as they have established an office in Hong Kong. Here are a few of my favourite:
SAVENNIERES CLOS DES PERRIERES, 2013
12% alcohol
Grape variety: 100% Chenin Blanc
RVF: Grande Reussite (Vintage 2011); Guide RVF: 16/20
Pale gold with green tones, this Savennières is oozing white fruits, minerality and freshness on the nose. A touch of celery, herbs and almond adds complexity. On the palate, the minerality gives a distinctive structure to the wine with notes of lemon and saltiness. Freshness and complexity give an elegant overall impression that lingers deliciously on the palate.
Price: 265 HKD
CHAMP AUX LOUPS, 2013
Anjou village AOC, 12% alcohol
Grape variety: 100% Cabernet Franc
La Revue du Vin de France: Among Best Red Wines of the Loire 2011
Deep ruby colour with a nose of red and black fruits. The aromas are like a basket of forest fruits freshly picked smelling of undergrowth and spice (liquorice). The palate is focused on black fruits (blackberry and blueberry) with a touch of wood. The medium acidity, medium+ tannins and medium body give a nice structure and balance. It’s a wine that needs time to soften up so aerating is recommended.
Price: 192 HKD
COTEAUX DU LAYON PATRIMOINE, 2015
12% alcohol
Grape variety: 100% Chenin Blanc
Beautiful gold hints reflected in the glass. The complex nose expresses white peach, fresh apricot, pear and honey but stays very refreshing with green mango hints. The palate is sweet but balanced by a high acidity. It oozes citrus fruits (mandarin, lime) and exotic fruits (mango and passion fruit). The medium body creates a very nicely balanced wine with a distinctive freshness that lingers beautifully.
Price: 195 HKD
You can order the wines direct from admin@chateausoucherie.hk
Finally, to celebrate my home region, I have decided to add a new workshop to MY WINE EXPERIENCE collection. Loire Valley Wines Exploration is a journey that will take you through the Loire with the tasting of four wines from Château Soucherie. Book now, before the end of the May, to benefit from a 10 % discount on the regular price (4500 HKD instead of 5000 HKD).
So gather your friends and let’s discover together the beautiful wines of the Loire!