DOMAINE DE LA COGNARDIRE
Vouvray Demi-Sec

The Loire Valley Muscadet region is divided into three separate areas; Muscadet des Coteaux de la Loire north of the Loire River, the second, Muscadet, is south of the river, and the third in the center of this area between the Rivers Sevre-et-Maine, and aptly named Muscadet Sevre et Maine. It is here in Le Palett, in the heart of the AOC Muscadet de Sevre et Maine and some of the oldest terroirs of Muscadet, that the Nouet family vineyards of Domaine de la Cognardiere are located.

The vineyards of the Nouet family have been transferred from father to son since 1720. Today the Nouet brothers, Jean-Claude and Pierre-Yves, are in charge of the 57 acres of family vineyards planted with Melon de Bourgogne (Muscadet). The average age of the vines is 35-40 years, their oldest being 60 years; they replant some new vines every year in order to maintain the vineyards.

The ”Cuvée Tradition” from Domaine de la Cognardiere is the result of an assemblage of three different plots of Muscadet grapes; one portion comes from young vines which bring the vivacity to the wine, the second portion is from older vines grown on argillaceous soil which gives the wine structure and the third portion comes from old vines grown on schist soil which brings the specific Muscadet terroir and fat to this cuvée.

After the harvest the grapes go through a pneumatic press and the wine is stored in underground glass-lined vats at 17° C for about 3 weeks in order to get the maximum of perfume and fruit flavors. The wine remains here to rest on its lies (sediment) during the winter, after which the wine is pumped directly into the bottle from the top of the vat in order to leave any sediment behind. This process retains the vivacity in the wine and the pearling sensation on your tongue, thus making it a true “Sur Lie”.

This beautiful wine has a brilliant robe with a delicate white flower aroma. On the palate it is lively, well balanced, full of freshness and vivacity. Great with seafood and shellfish.