Domaine de la taille aux loups - Montlouis-sur-Loire Brut NV

Domaine de la Taille aux Loups was founded in 1989 by Jacky Blot, a grower whose pioneering approach reshaped how the Loire Valley thinks about chenin blanc, favouring purity of terroir over convention. His son Jean-Philippe gradually took over direction of the domaine in the years before Jacky's death in May 2023.

The estate farms clay and limestone soils across the Loire, and this cuvée, Triple Zéro, takes its name quite literally. There is no chaptalisation, no liqueur de tirage, and no liqueur d'expedition added at any stage. Everything in the glass comes from the grapes and time alone.

Brut Tradition is the domaine's benchmark sparkling wine, made in the traditional method entirely from chenin blanc grown on the estate's clay and limestone soils. It spends around three years ageing on its lees in bottle before disgorgement, which is what gives it that layered, savoury depth alongside the fruit. Dosage is kept low, around 4 grams per litre, so the wine reads as dry and structured rather than sweet. The vineyard is certified organic, and the wine itself is vegan friendly.

Tasting notes:
Ripe apple and pear sit at the core, framed by honeyed, floral notes and a savoury, brioche like richness that comes from the extended time on lees. There's a mineral, almost salty edge running underneath, with a touch of citrus peel keeping the whole thing lifted and precise. Firm and well balanced rather than showy, this is a sparkling wine built to be taken seriously.

Technical details:

• Style: Méthode traditionnelle, non vintage
• Ageing: Approximately 3 years on lees before disgorgement
• Residual sugar: Approximately 4g/L