2022 Domaine La Calmette 'Serpent a Plumes', Vin de France, France
Regular price $35.00
Unit price per
Mostly Noual, with Sauvignon Blanc, Sylvaner & Chenin Blanc
Cahors was once one of France’s most prolific exports. However, wars, phylloxera, and other natural disasters nearly wiped out the region’s vineyards by the mid-20th century. Today, a new generation of winemakers is revitalizing the region and taking Cahors wines to new heights. Founded in 2026 by Maya Sallée and Nicolas Fernandez, Domaine La Calmette is at the forefront of this Cahors movement. Their vines are located in Trespoux-Rassiels, on the heights overlooking Cahors. Noual, one of Cahors’ indigenous white grape varieties, rescued from near extinction, is at the heart of this single vineyard. They are one of the few in the region to make whites, and one of the only with Noual. These vines thrive in iron-rich clay soil over a base of Kimmeridgian limestone and marl. Kimmeridgian is most famous for being the bedrock of Chablis.
A minimal intervention winemaking process. This vinification was done with less extraction and density, shorter aging, and no managed oxidation, to offer a fruit-forward, joyful, and charming white No fining, no filtration.
A fruit-forward wine that is joyful and charming! Beautiful aromatic profile of apricot, tropical fruits, almond, and white flowers. On the palate, it is fresh, balanced, and supple, without being heavy or over-the-top. A wine that is clear and straightforward without being simple. Rhône-esque but with more acidity, it’s incredibly fresh and clean.