NV Langlois-Château Cremant de Loire, Brut, Loire Valley, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

This wine is from the estate of Langlois Chateau, in Saumur situated in the heart of the Loire Valley. A blend of Chenin Blanc (at least 50%), Chardonnay & Cabernet Franc. The grapes come from mainly Saumur terroirs but also from Anjou and Touraine. Winemaker François-Régis de Fougeroux uses handpicked grapes and only the first free run juice is used. During vinification the 3 grape varieties and individual vineyard or terroir sources are separated and fermented in thermoregulated stainless steel tanks, usually 10% of older Réserve wines are added to the final blend prior to the second fermentation. The wine is matured on its lees for a minimum of 24 months in the winery’s freestone cellars.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Langlois-Chateau has a rich history as one of the leading producers in the Loire Valley. Their Cremants are produced with standards far beyond the appellation requirements and even beyond Champagne AOC standards. The result is Méthode Champenoise wines of incredible finesse. The still Sancerres are equally notable and are benchmarks for the appellation, with brightness, intensity, depth and minerality.

Founded in 1885 by Edouard Langlois and Jeanne Chateau (hence the name). In 1973, the Bollinger family invested in Langlois, significantly revitalizing the vineyards and modernizing the cellar. Bollinger was naturally attracted by Langlois’ Crémant de Loire production, but the estate has become a leading quality producer in Sancerre, Saumur and other areas.

Langlois-Chateau owns and manages 175 acres of the best AOC vineyards in the Loire Valley. For the Crémants they have an intensely terroir-focused approach of drawing the best characteristics from 6 distinct vineyards areas and soil types in order to create and refined wines. Grapes are hand harvested in small bins, pressed gently, aging is at least 36 months (versus 12 month minimum), and reserve wines are incorporated. The crown jewel of their Sancerre holdings at Chateau de Fontain-Audon, from which they produce a single-vineyards Sancerre of the same name.