Domaine Saint-Nicolas - Cuvée Soleil de Chine 2009

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Thierry Michon, ably assisted by his sons Antoine and Mickaël, is a leading figure in the Vendée wine region. A pioneer of biodynamics in the area since 1993, he continues to showcase his 42 hectares of clay, schist, and quartz soils, located on the Atlantic terroir of Brem, in the Pays des Olonnes, nestled between marshes and forests. The oceanic influence lends the wines a unique, briny freshness. This exemplary estate offers a warm and welcoming experience.

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

About the estate:

The Michon family has been growing grapes on the Île d'Olonne since 1960. Their vineyard has gradually expanded and now covers nearly forty hectares. Thierry is the driving force here, and with him there’s no resting on one’s laurels: biodynamic farming has been practiced since 1993 across a wide range of grape varieties (Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Négrette, Chenin, Chardonnay, and Grolleau...). It’s as if the entire French wine-growing world had gathered on a small island...

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

With notes of roasted fruit, Soleil de Chine is typical of the rich 2009 vintage, offering a slightly sweet sensation that is balanced by a fresh, briny finish. A truly fine wine.

About the estate:

Thierry Michon, supported by his sons, Antoine and Mickaël, runs the only winery of international stature in the Vendée region. On the little-known terroir of Brem, he owns vineyards cultivated entirely using biodynamic methods, though yields have unfortunately been low in recent years. Influenced by the ocean, the vineyard produces whites made from Chenin and Chardonnay (yellow stone fruits with a salty finish), and reds made from long-aged Pinot Noir (Jacques, La Grande Pièce), as well as Gamay, Négrette, and Cabernet Franc. We are enthusiastic about these finely crafted, briny whites, but we have reservations about the reds, which are harshly structured by very advanced ripeness and heavy extraction. The wines are now classified as Vin de France because the Fiefs Vendéens regulations prohibit lieu-dit and single-varietal cuvées. How sad to see this appellation fail to recognize its leading producer!