Le Chat Noir Sauvignon Blanc

Not your average Sauvignon Blanc, this wine balances the intense fruits of many New Zealand wines with the restrained mineral acidity of the traditional French style. Sourced from the cool climate Aude Valley in the south of France, the wine retains its varietal character, acidity and freshness.

The Region

The Aude Valley, stretching between Carcassonne and the Pyrenees in extreme south of France is similar in climate and Limestone soil to the Loire Valley. The high altitude and cooling evening breezes creates wines with varietal character, acidity and freshness.

The 2009 Vintage

A wet spring, whilst raising concerns about vineyard health, ensured the vineyards were  refreshed and well supplied with water. The summer was very dry with a period of high heat  in August. The burst of summer heat was relatively short in duration and the vineyards were well prepared to handle the stress. The single most important factor in 2009 was the cool evenings (the difference between maximum and minimum temperature in Autumn was  larger than in either 2008 or 2007) which ensured the fruit retained acidity and freshness. 

Tasting Notes

Rich and lifted with intense scents of fruit mingled with varietal aromas of gooseberries and passionfruit. The limestone soil has imparted floral nuances and a flint like “river stone” scent. The palate is fresh and pure with rich flavours balanced by delicate mineral acidity.