Domaine Des 7 Lieues, AOP Touraine Sauvignon Blanc, Loire, France

Domaine des 7 Lieues reflects some of best vineyard locations in the Val de Cher and was sparked when a group of like-minded growers from the Cooperative of Bléré started a collaboration that brought together their heritage and respect for their diverse terroirs.

Their Touraine vineyards are spread over 7 municipalities (Dierre, Saint-Martin-le-Beau, Athée-sur-Cher, Bléré, La-Croix-en-Touraine, Civray-de-Touraine and Francueil) all within a radius of 20-35km, which corresponds to 7 leagues … an ancient measurement of distances used in France prior to adopting the metric system … and inspiring the name.

Domaine des 7 Lieues combines a classic loire valley approach to vine growing with a sustainable approach. The estate demands the highest level of sustainability practices throughout, from the vineyards, through to the winery, from their employees, to the wider community and has been awarded Level 3 of the Haute Valeur Environnementale certification. In the vineyards, growers are encouraged to focus on quality rather than yield and this can easily be recognized in the wines.

There is an emphasis towards riper styles and more modern vinification, with fermentation carried out in a temperature controlled stainless steel. Pressing is by pneumatic press, separating the juice from different pressings. After a cold stabilisation, the wine is cool-fermented on the lees for added complexity, resulting in a classic ‘Loire’ Sauvignon with a typical argilo-calcaire minerality.

Pale golden in colour with bright yellow highlights. The aroma is packed full of soft fresh-fruit, tropical fruits, a little bramble, and citrus as well as some floral aromas. The palate is refreshing and light with citrus, grapefruit, and peach flavours, with a zingy lemon note. Nice length with some mineral character.