Our first release after the summer break comes from one of our all-time favourite growers, Renaud Guettier of La Grapperie.
For some reason or another, Renaud’s wines seem to be perennially underrated. Whether that’s because of the labels, which look as though they were put together on an early version of Microsoft Paint, the man’s lowkey demeanour, or the wine world’s insatiable thirst for the new, we can’t be sure, but it is a pleasure to be able to work with one of the unsung heroes of the Loire.
Like most great wines, Renaud’s come from noble varieties planted on old vines in a fantastic terroir. They have been farmed with respect for many years and each of the wines sees a proper elévage in ancient caves carved into the tuffeau. The resulting wines are true vins de garde – deep, mineral and complex expressions of Chenin Blanc and Pineau d’Aunis which possess a wonderful ability to age.
Renaud was not around during our annual visit to the Loire back in February but was kind enough to leave some bottles with his friends the Robinots for us to taste. We did so over breakfast the morning after a predictably long night and were left energised by their purity and focus. An order was placed immediately and we were lucky enough to secure a handful of magnums too.
The wines of La Grapperie are now available on Tutto a Casa