La Cueillette Des Oiseaux Maceration - Anjou Blanc 2021

Type: Orange
Alcohol:13%
Vintage:2021
Size:750ml
Closure:Cork
Varieties:100% Chenin Blanc
Structure:Medium-bodied
Terroir: The 40-year-old vines for La Cueillette des Oiseaux 2021 Macération grow on sand and gravel soils overlying shale, a terroir that is ideal for the cultivation of Chenin Blanc. The soil structure encourages deep root systems, allowing the vines to withstand fluctuations in water availability and develop a complexity that reflects the unique environment. The vineyard practices at Le Fief Noir, including simple Guyot pruning, debudding, leaf stripping, and cavaillon work in the rows, help maintain vine health and encourage the best possible fruit expression.
Harvest: Grapes for this wine are hand-harvested in 12 kg perforated crates. Prior to harvesting, negative sorting ensures that only the most perfectly healthy bunches are selected, allowing the vines to focus their energy on the remaining fruit. This attention to detail results in exceptional quality grapes for the maceration process.
Vinification: The wine undergoes a 15-day maceration with whole bunches, a process that extracts deeper flavours and tannins from the skins, adding body and texture to the wine.
Fermentation: After maceration, fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats with indigenous yeasts, allowing the wine to fully express its natural character. Malolactic fermentation softens the acidity, while aging in amphora for 6 months enhances the wine's mineral profile and adds a subtle texture.

On the Nose: The wine presents intense, fragrant notes of orange peel, which are characteristic of Chenin Blanc grown in this terroir. There are also hints of citrus zest and subtle herbal nuances that add complexity.

On the Palate: La Cueillette des Oiseaux 2021 Macération offers a rich, full mouthfeel with a powerful and lingering finish. The wine's balance of citrus notes and mineral acidity is striking, and its depth and texture reflect the extended maceration and amphora aging. The finish is clean and refreshing, with a pronounced citrus character.

Pairing & Cellaring:
This wine pairs beautifully with a range of dishes, particularly those with bold flavours that complement its citrus and mineral notes. Ideal pairings include duck à l'orange, venison tartare, vegetable curry, and scallops with orange caramel. It also pairs well with aged cheeses like Salers.
This wine can be enjoyed now for its freshness and vibrant citrus character, but it also has medium-term cellaring potential to develop further complexity over time.