We always have to do our absolute best not to make any dad jokes when reviewing this wine (translate the name and you’ll see why), yet nothing can distract us from how damn drinkable the wine is! The fruit for this delicious sparkling comes from a range of biodynamic parcels in Saumur, alongside a vineyard in Le Puy-Notre-Dame (an appellation that’s only for red wines). It’s a blend of 90% Chenin Blanc, with the remainder split between Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay.
The fruit was picked quite late for sparkling—when ripe and full of character—then whole-bunch pressed and naturally fermented in a mix of stainless steel and old Insolite barrels. In the bottle, the wine was then aged for around 18 months on lees before being disgorged with no additions (zero dosage). In short, it’s a Saumur méthode traditionelle—à la Germain.
It has all the character, deliciousness (there’s that word again) and class that would put 90%-plus Champagnes to shame! Expect a deep, yet super-mineral and chalky white, with waves of apple pie, meadow flowers and lemony liveliness, and a driven, saline and straw-noted, bone-dry finish. A joy to drink, with texture, length and gravitas to back it up.