Sauvignon Blanc from a tiny half hectare of vines, planted in 2010 on the typical iron-rich volcanic soils of the Auvergne. The grapes are direct pressed into 1000lt stoneware jars where they spend time on the lees. Find out more.
About the Wine
A singular blend of Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc from the iron-rich volcanic soils of the Auvergne. An interesting process is at play here whereby the Sauvignon Blanc is pressed directly and then the Pinot Gris is added to this juice as whole berries to gently macerate for close to an entire year. The results are stunning: lifted aromatics of peaches and spice with a crackle of volcanic minerality, then such a pure palate, gripping tannic elements, dried fruits, membrillo-esque quince and some creamy malolactic notes.
Fred has abandoned the old barrels the wine would previously mature in, in favour of some pretty serious ceramic vessels. This brings a new texture and edge to a wine that has consistently blown us away year after year. One of our all-time favourites!
About L'Arbre Blanc
The Gounan family has been in Saint Sandoux for generations. Fred's father had apple orchards as many people in the area once did. Sadly these orchards have now been replaced with the ubiquitous wheat and so have most of the vineyards. Fred and Caroline's two small plots of Pinot Noir stand alone on the basaltic western slope of the valley in whose trough runs the A75 opposite the hill of Corent (home of Patrick Bouju and François Dhumes). Off to the north Fred points out a patch of vines that his neighbour has left to run wild, next to that he shows us some Pinot Gris and Sauvignon that he planted in 2010. The two plots of Pinot Noir, one higher and one lower, are both planted en lyre, a system that enhances leaf and fruit exposure to the sun (much needed in the moderate climate of the Auvergne) and, as Fred assures, acts as a cosmic funnel. The funneling seems to work, Fred's vines are beautiful and the ground around them rich with other plant life - testament to his and Caroline's work.
