2020 Les Athlètes du Vin Touraine Sauvignon Blanc

Responsibly Farmed
Hidden Gem
Classic in Style

You really can’t go wrong with this wine. It’s a no-brainer for Sauvignon Blanc lovers. The bright citrus fruits have length without any bitter finish. Think of it as Sancerres more affordable little sister.

Organic farming practices, hand-harvested, native yeast fermentation, unfined/unfiltered, vegan-friendly, and only 3,500 cases produced.

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White
  • Tasting Notes lemon, grapefruit, jasmine, lime, green apple, gooseberry, honeysuckle
  • Variety Sauvignon Blanc
  • Region France, Loire Valley
  • Volume 750ml
  • Alcohol Volume 13.5%
  • Table Talk The labels for Les Athletes du Vin are created by the French artist, Michel Tolmer, who has been the unofficial lead artist of the French natural wine movement since the 1990s.

$25.00

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Out of stock

Les Athlètes du Vin is a négociant project based in the heart of the Loire Valley. The group is made up of some of the region’s most dynamic and respected winemakers, including Thierry Germain, Pierre Breton, and Mathieu Vallée of Château Yvonne. All wines at Les Athlètes du Vin are vinifed by various members of the Vini Be Good network and are produced using their own grapes or grapes purchased from reliable friends and neighbors.

Winemaking is done with minimal intervention, native yeasts, and minimal sulfur, with light or no filtration implemented (depending on the cuvée). Les Athlètes du Vin strive to make delicious and authentic, that are both responsibly produced and affordable. The labels are created by French artist, illustrator, and cartoonist Michel Tolmer, who has been the unofficial lead artist of the French natural wine movement since the 1990s.

SAUVIGNON BLANC
Sauvignon Blanc, a very recognizable white wine that is popularly dry, refreshingly zesty, and has strong, fruity and herbal characteristics. Ever hear of the term “pyrazines?” It’s a term noting the strong herbaceous flavors that are derived from compounds called Methoxypyrazines. These compounds are also found in bell peppers! A flagship varietal to the Loire Valley in France (Sancerre) and New Zealand, the Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand tend to be more aromatic and have tropical fruit notes than those from the Bordeaux or Loire Valley regions in France. Usually fermented in stainless steel vats, Sauvignon Blanc gives a clean, crisp flavor with occasional mineral notes, but no characteristics from oak, like you would normally see in a grape varietal like Chardonnay. However, look out for Fumé Blanc, this style of wine is an oaked-version of Sauvignon Blanc.

THE LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE
The Loire is actually the largest river in France and the Loire Valley is a large region that follows as it flows towards the Atlantic. Another cooler climate region in France, the Loire Valley produces many exciting and exceptional red, rosé, and white wines in a variety of styles. Lean and lively white varieties like Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadet (Melon de Bourgogne or Melon Blanc) dominate in many sub-regions here including Anjou-Saumur, Touraine, and the Upper Loire (Centre). Rustic reds like Cabernet Franc, Gamay, and Côt (Malbec) are also grown in smaller areas. Some of the most infamous for Cabernet Franc are that of Bourgueil and Chinon located in the Touraine (Middle Loire). The Loire Valley is also known to produce quality sparkling wines from grape varieties including Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc (for rosé). You’ll often find these wines to be tart with fresh fruit flavors and labelled as Crémant de Loire.