Tour de Gendres Sauvignon/Chenin ‘Pet Nat’ 2021

Country: France

Region: Bergerac

Grape: Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc

Volume: 75cl

ABV: 11.5%

Vintage: 2021

Suitable for Vegans: Yes

Suitable for Vegetarians: Yes

Food pairing: Try as an aperitif or with sushi, smoked fish or goat’s cheese.

On some of the most beautiful land in southwest France, Château Tour des Gendres sits in the appellation of Bergerac. This centuries-old stronghold of classic French food and wine culture is located on the bank of the Dordogne River, a 90-minute drive east of Bordeaux.

The de Conti family has run the farm here since the early 1900s, but only in 1986 did Luc de Conti and his brother, Jean, decide to plant the vineyard and embark on a new adventure of viticulture and winemaking. In 1994, they became the first in the region to move away from pesticides and chemicals and turn to 100 percent Organic farming. The property is planted with Sauvignon, Semillon and Muscadelle for whites, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec for reds. The de Conti family produces two delicious entry-level wines: Tour des Gendres Classique Blanc and La Gloire de Mon Pere (the red), both recognized as classic wines for the region. Along with the iconic cuvees of Moulin des Dames and Anthologia, these wines reflect the experience and passion of the de Conti family, as well as the rugged charm of their singular terroir.

The vineyard is set upon decarbonized soft sandstone from the Agen region (calcium-rich soils on limestone soft sandstone loamy sand-sandstone), clayey-limestone on Asteries limestone (containing fossils) & soft sandstone from the Agen region.

The wine is 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Chenin Blanc. Direct grape crushing, very softly. Partial fermentation in stainless steel vats with indigenous yeasts. Minimal filtering after 2/3 of the fermentation. Bottled on the 18th September 2018 with bottle caps. The bubbles are formed naturally in the bottle.

The wine ferments solely in the bottle, thanks to a little residual sugar in the bottle, leading to a light-bodied wine of just 11% ABV with a small amount of bubbles and a gentle touch of lees influence. Very fresh and grassy, with aromas of green apples and cinnamon and zippy, vibrant acidity on the palate. Easy to drink and very refreshing.

Try as an aperitif or with sushi, smoked fish or goat’s cheese.