By Serge Dore Selections
Francois de la Roche Touraine Sauvignon Blanc

Wine Description
Captivatingly fresh, beautifully balanced, long and full in the mouth, it unleashes many complex aromas (exotic fruits, blackcurrant buds, grapefruit, peach), as well as floral notes. This Sauvignon Blanc is produced from vines with an average age of 30 years. 100% of these vines are planted mainly on a flinty clay soil. Sauvignon Blanc needs a fresher climate with a good water supply, in order to express its unique freshness and exuberant flavors. These vines are cultivated in a well thought out manner which provides maximum respect for the ecosystem and the environment.

2016 Vintage Information
A fine end to the summer and ideal weather conditions at the end of the season have put a smile back on the faces of the Touraine winegrowers, who have had to deal with a complex array of weather patterns throughout the year. This vintage is set to be flavorsome and fruit-driven, with good balance and ample availability to supply market needs. Good grape health combined with ideal harvest weather conditions have led to a juice yield often 10-15% higher than initially predicted for Sauvignons.

Winemaker's Philosophy
"I want to produce wines that are complex, elegant and balanced, wines that eloquently reflect the terroir of the individual vineyards. Because we grow grapes or purchase them from several vineyards each year, that expression of "terroir" (The idea that wines can be influenced by the type of vines, soils and drainage, sun exposure, elevation, trellis, pruning, micro-climate and other vineyard practices) is particularly important and can vary from year to year and vineyard to vineyard. That's part of the excitement of winemaking."

Vineyard Details
Grapes: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Soil: Flinty clay
Average Age of Vines: 30 years old
Aspect: Northwest
Yield: 55 hl/ha

Vinification
Following a pneumatic pressing, a short, cold pre-fermentation maceration is conducted. Vinification then takes place in stainless steel vats at a low temperature to preserve the olfactory intensity of the Sauvignon Blanc. Ageing under inert gas allows the wine to soften while preserving its typical primary aromas.

Service
Service Temperature: Between 12-14 degrees C
Best Enjoyed: Within 1-2 years
Food Pairings: As an aperitif or paired with grilled fish, poultry, and goat cheeses. Recommended with roasted trout and fennel.

Information provided by Serge Dore Selections

"FRANCOIS DE LA ROCHE Touraine Sauvignon 2016
Points: 90
Value: $35
Drink: 2018-2019
Country: France
Region: Loire Valley
Appellation: Touraine
Editor: J. D'Angelo
Issue: January 2018
Importer: Serge Dore Selections
The 2016 Francois de la Roche Sauvignon is a fresh, inviting wine which opens to pretty aromatics of citrus, gooseberries and white peaches which leap from the glass. On the palate, this is nicely balanced with lovely acidity making for clean, mouthwatering finish. This should make a wonderful compliment to a wide variety of seafood dishes."