Domaine Bellevue Touraine Sauvignon 2009

In a Shot:  Did a review on the 2009 Domaine Bellevue Toraine 100% Sauvignon Blanc and found notes of apples, oranges and tropical fruits that finishes with chalky minerality, mild acidity and soft spices.

The 2009 Domaine Bellevue is showcased in typical French fashion by showcasing the wines origin on the front label, hence Touraine [too-REHN]. This region which rests around the historic capital of Tours in the Loire Valley (also known as the Garden of France) is recognized for spicy, grassy/floral and minerally chalky white wine characteristics. A busy university town, the area is filled with flowers, rolling green hills, cathedrals, museums, Renaissance & neo-classical mansions. It's the home and inspiration to many poets, writers and artists and of course, a major site for wineries and vinyards. The appellation controlee is fed by several rivers, one in particular, the Noyers Sur Cher is the exact location of this vinyard.

Usually, a regionally expressive vinyard produces blends, but will also releases a wine to showcase a particular grape at it's fullest potential. This particular wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc (French for Savage White), a grape popularily used to make the desert imbibing Saurternes wines, which originated in the 8th century wine producing port city, Bourdeaux, France. Along side Sémillon, Muscadelle and Ugni blanc, Sauvignon Blanc are the only white grapes, by law to produce a Bourdeax wine. Sauvignon Blanc wines were one of the first varietals (along with Rieslings) to commercially be screw capped instead of corked, particularly in New Zealand, the country that is currently recognized as one of the premier Sauvignon Blanc producers (Dry, grassy/kiwi prodominent wines). The grape itself traditionally battles recognition for producing a heavily grassy white or a sweet tropical fruit inspired product.

 

Earl Vauvy, the winemaker at Domaine Bellevue, has won the Lys D'or 2010 Loire Valley Wine Competition for his 2009 Touraine 100% Sauvignon Blanc . His wines are bottled on property and showcases a windmill in the background of the label.




Upon pouring the pale straw yellow wine into my glass I noticed a distinctive fruity blend of green apples, passion fruits and tangerines. There is a chalky minerality and grassy notes with a mild acidity and a soft spice. The wine's earthy undertones, sweet fruits and previously mentioned finish would compliment dishes using kiwis, avocados, creamy cheeses or raw fish.

 

Cheers!