Domaine La Grange Tiphaine - Les Grenouillères 2019 (sec tendre)

As president of the Montlouis appellation, Damien Delecheneau produces, on his fifteen or so hectares cultivated using biodynamic methods, wines that are masterfully crafted and serve as exemplary models for the Touraine, Touraine–Amboise, and Montlouis appellations. The wines are remarkably precise and strikingly natural; priced between 15 and 30 euros, they are excellent values. The reds express themselves with floral juiciness. The old Côt vines soften the grape variety’s rustic character to achieve perfect balance. The whites, with their very subtle texture, are harvested at perfect ripeness and are always well-structured. These are full-bodied, pure wines with a mineral finish that hits just the right note. A charming spot not to be missed. This year’s favorites include the old-vine Côt from Amboise and the Montlouis Nouveau Nez...

In its off-dry version, the 2019 Grenouillères awakens both our taste buds and our souls—a wine with an intimate sweetness crafted with magnificent attention to detail. A splendid Chenin from Montlouis-sur-Loire, a benchmark for its appellation.

From their 15-hectare vineyard spread across Montlouis-sur-Loire, Touraine, and Touraine-Amboise, Coralie and Damien Delecheneau have established themselves as leaders in the industry. With the utmost respect for nature and their terroirs, the couple tends to their old vines using biodynamic methods (certified in 2014). Several Côt vines are even over a century old and yield a cuvée of remarkable depth and subtlety. In the cellar, the two winemakers skillfully and sensitively guide the healthy grapes harvested at perfect ripeness. From winemaking to aging in concrete tanks and used oak barrels, everything is done with absolute precision and restraint, and these great, nuanced wines never veer into exuberance. Upon opening each bottle, the Chenin whites reveal themselves with rare purity and delicacy; the reds captivate with their subtlety and floral brilliance.