2019 Domaine Mosse Les Bonnes Blanches
This year, the Mosse family didn't bother to submit Les Bonnes Blanches to the authorities. They know the wine is good and will sell, so they don't need the appellation.
They, therefore, have released it as a Vin de France as so many winemakers are doing these days. Like Le Rochester, it is a white wine made from 100% Chenin Blanc.
The vines are from a 2.5 hectare plot where the vines are 40 years old, and the yield is very, very low at only 12 hectolitres per hectare. Grapes are picked by hand on this domaine.
The grapes are directly pressed and then allowed to settle for three days before undergoing fermentation in tanks before being transferred to wooden fûts for ten months on lees without any stirring.
This is an excellent food wine. The alcohol percentage is 14.5, and there is minimal residual sugar while still finishing dry.
This is a stunning example of Chenin Blanc. It displays precision and strength, and the spicy notes linger for ages.
- Living Wines
"We are particularly attached to this beautiful parcel of Bonnes Blanches. Located on the left bank of the Layon, these two hectares on the terrace facing north-east, produce fabulous, very complex grapes every year." - Sebastian Mosse.
Soil: silt with small round white pebbles called "Bonnes Blanches" on the outcrop of shale.
Age of the vines: about 40 years
Grapes: Chenin
Vine management: Organic farming certified by Qualité France
Direct pressing, settling for 36 hours. Beginning of spontaneous fermentation in vats thanks to indigenous yeasts then barreling for the end of fermentation and aging on lees for ten months without stirring. Unfiltered wine.
Alcohol: 14.5%
Total sulphur in mg/L: 24 mg/L
Bottling: August 2020