‘O’ Poitou
Haut Poitou, situated 50 miles to the south of Saumur, produces wines noted for their power and intensity. ‘O’ is a wonderfully fresh and zesty Sauvignon Blanc with a vibrant citrus zing to it.
The vineyard of 700ha is located in the north of Poitiers making it one of the most southerly wine regions of the Loire. The vines are planted in islets of the best clay-limestone soils and on hillsides to achieve the best exposure to the good levels of sunshine. The climate of oceanic influence is a little drier and warmer than that found in the neighbouring vineyards of Anjou and Touraine.
Here the Sauvignon Blanc grape offers much of the character of a Touraine, but with exceptional value compared with the grand Sancerre or Pouilly-Fume.
Grapes are harvested at maximum aromatic maturity and carefully pressed, protecting them as much as possible from oxygen. The already very aromatic musts, after settling, are fermented at low temperatures (14/16°C). At the end of fermentation, the wines are kept on their lees, which are stirred regularly to promote yeast autolysis in order to add more weight and complexity to the wine during the winter.
Nice aromatic expression of citrus, grapefruit, kiwi, white flowers and slightly herbaceous and minty. A blast of upfront citrus and exotic fruit flavours are big bold and round, and very well balanced with mineral notes and slightly peppery finish.
Will keep for at least 5 years.
Ideal as an aperitif or will perfectly accompany fish in a light sauce and seafood. Also wonderful with fresh cheeses.
About the Producer
Domaine Sauvion
Jean-Pierre Sauvion almost single handedly bought the historic Haut-Poitou appellation back from near extinction. He was born in the middle of vineyards and spent his childhood literally surrounded by vines.
His Château du Cléray, based close to the city of Poitiers in the heart of the Nantes vineyards, has belonged to the Sauvion family since 1935 and, with its old vaulted cellars, is one of the most ancient properties in the Sèvre et Maine vineyard.
