Loire, France
Vouvray AOC
Fabien was once an importer of Mathieu Cosme's wines from the Loire before joining him in this sort-of "laboratory" for natural Loire expressions in 2013. Today, the pair produce wildly intriguing - and totally delicious!! - bottlings from Fabien's Vouvray and Touraine vineyards. Originally conceived to produce what Fabien liked to call "vins de copains" (en anglais: wine for friends), the estate is making some of the best whites and sparklings in the region.
Le Facteur is an homage to the famous French expression "to put the postman back on the bike" meaning "to get back to drinking the day after a drunken evening". Produced from 100% Chenin Blanc, in the traditional method, including a 20-month stint on lees. This is absolutely vibrating and riveting bubbly. Bone-dry, slightly oxidative notes of honey and baked apple, a core of quince, pear and citrus peel over top of delicate, oh-so-refreshing bubbles. Soft, silky and inviting on the palate, this is a total charmer.
With Champagne price points inching up every year, this should be in your tasty bubble rotation at home.
Outstanding with oysters, caviar, lightly steamed and chilled mussels, cocktail shrimp, ceviche, creamy crab salad, poached and chilled lobster, butter poached crab meat, sushi, sashimi and any other raw or lightly-prepared seafoods. It's also perfect as an aperitif but should be avoided with sweets or spicy foods. Serve very well-chilled.