Loire, France
Part of the original natural wine movement in France, Clos du Tue-Boeuf are making some of the Loire’s most interesting wines, with many native, and near-extinct varietals.
Brothers Thierry and Jean-Marie Puzelat have been working the family estate since the early 1990’s, the core of their holdings an organically farmed 10 ha estate; The Clos de Tue Bouf, in the Cheverny region of the Loire Valley.
Their vineyard is part of a balanced eco-system, isolated from other agriculture in the region, the old-vines of Tue-Boeuf (Some over 100 years-old), are interspersed amongst the natural greenery of the region.
Their range of wines is threefold; from the original clos of 5 ha in the commune of Les Montils, a separate parcel of 3+ hectares in Monthou-Sur-Bievre, and fruit purchased from organic growers mostly in the Cher Valley.
This is Loire Sauvignon that will make you purr with delight, it's chalky and mineral, and not overtly flamboyant. The nose is fruity with citrus and cut pineapple, alongside hints of aniseed. On the palate it is taut and exudes lemony aromas with a long, pleasing finish.
Wow, this is fresh, tightly wound and compact with lovely zip and directness. So drinkable, it’s refreshing, and satisfying, and a wine to remind us that Sauvignon blanc is so much more than the mono-stylistic wines that have over-saturated the Aussie market over the past few decades.