Le Rocher des Violettes - Montlouis-sur-Loire Le Grand Clos 2021 (sec)

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

In organic farming, Xavier Weisskopf cultivates 9 hectares in Montlouis and 4 in the Touraine appellation. His vineyards are planted with old vines from mass selections, which contribute to the production of top-quality wines. The whites impress with their purity, in an appellation that is no shortage of talent. An elite winemaker, among the best in the region.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

Notes of white peach, apple, and acacia, with creamy and honeyed hints—the nose is rich in complexity. Refined, long-lasting, and fragrant, with a crisp acidity on the finish, this is an energetic, beautifully aged Montlouis that pairs perfectly with river fish.

About the estate:

Originally from the Oise region, Xavier Weisskopf established his vineyard (17 hectares of organic land) in 2005. Nothing had set him on this path, but his studies in Chablis introduced him to the world of wine, leading him to the “Viti” in Beaune, then to Gigondas, and finally to the banks of the Loire.

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

About the wine:

Three fine dry whites stand out in 2021, where Chenin has achieved a sleek, briny balance, as exemplified by the Grand Clos, with its smooth texture—a rarity in this vintage—and a depth that gently stimulates the salivary glands. A lovely energy shapes the finish without any harshness.

About the estate:

Starting out with limited resources in a makeshift cellar in 2005, Clémence and Xavier Weisskopf have managed, through courage and tenacity, to build their own vineyard. For several years now, they have been among the leading producers in Montlouis-sur-Loire. The 17 hectares, spread between Montlouis and Touraine, are cultivated Organic. Touche Mitaine (flinty clay), Les Borderies (clay-limestone, 40-year-old vines), Le Grand Poirier (clay-sandy, 67-year-old vines)... A myriad of terroirs has been captured in the bottle, in whites that aim for aromatic nuance, delicacy, and the authentic expression of Chenin Blanc—whether dry or with residual sugar, depending on the character of the vintage. These are wines of great sincerity that delight the palate!

Vinous

About the wine:

The 2021 Montlouis-sur-Loire Le Grand Clos is generous and has a personality that expresses itself gently. However, the natural acidity of this late-ripening clay plot, the 91-year-old vines, and the 2021 vintage mean that the wine is permeated by a lively acidity that gives it direction and energy. Completely dry, it leaves the drinker with a sense of integrity. Aging in barrels (500 liters, 30% of which are new) lends it a certain richness and gives it a smooth, creamy texture.