Le Rocher des Violettes, Vin de France Chenin Blanc, France, 2022

Overview of the Wine
For a young man from the north of France, Xavier Weisskopf has a remarkably precocious track record in the world of wine. He went to school in Chablis, where his passion for the vine took root and led to the wine school in Beaune. After earning a degree in viticulture and enology, he went to work for the dynamic, hard-driving Louis Barruol at Chateau de Saint Cosme in Gigondas. He quickly became Louis’ chef du cave, and made four vintages there.

In January 2005, Xavier bought 22 acres of vines in the Saint-Martin-le-Beau sector of Montlouis and an enormous, raw 15th century stone cellar—originally a quarry dug deep into the Loire’s chalk limestone bank in Amboise. Since that time he has increased his holdings to 32 acres of vines, split between AC Montlouis (22 acres) and AC Touraine (10 acres). The vines are scattered about in various parcels and were planted at different times, but the majority were put into the ground before WWII. 

Winemaker
Xavier Weisskopf

Grape / Blend
100% Chenin Blanc

Origin
Vin de France, Loire, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
A very elegant Chenin Blanc with notes of apple and pear plus hints of lime zest, crushed stone and honey. A lacy mineral core give this wine a juicy and refreshing lift that leads to a silky and fresh finish.

91 Points - Vinous
The Chenin is made from 80-year-old vines and is fermented in stainless steel preserving fruit purity and excellent clarity. Dry and salty in texture, it is taut and elegant with excellent balance. It's almost as if this is the the Chenin Blanc equivalent of glacial spring water. A little length would be welcomed as the scents of wild herbs, lemon curd and apple pastry. This is also an incredible value for money.

Ian Blackburn - Highly Recommended "LOVE THIS WINE"

Product size: 750ml