Weisskopf Le Rocher Des Violettes Petillant Naturel 2020

CRITICAL ACCLAIM:

“A supple, creamy sparkler, with lush warm apple and spices, plus highlights of brioche. Very refined, with subtle effervescence, salty minerality and lemony acidity bringing zest through the finish. Very tasty.” - 90 PTS., WINE SPECTATOR (06/2024)

WINERY NOTES:

TASTING: “A bracingly pure and elegant organic pétillant naturel. Citrus, sea spray, and nectarine flavors burst from the glass framed by a saline, mineralinfused structure.”

VINEYARD & VITICULTURE: “From the lieu-dit “Le Moulin” in Montlouis; Limestone and silex terroir with clay; Only 1.5 meters of dirt before hitting pure chalk bedrock; A single parcel planted in 2011; Certified Organic by Ecocert SAS; No herbicides or pesticides used; High-density plantings; Hand-harvested in small crates”

WINEMAKING: “Pétillant naturel; Indigenous yeast; Fermented and aged in staineless steel tanks; Aged 24 months on the lees; Zero dosage”

ABOUT THE WINERY: "Xavier Weisskopf founded Le Rocher des Violettes in 2005 after studying winemaking in Chablis and Beaune and earning his degree in viticulture and oenology. He quickly went to work for the hard working and demanding Lous Barruol at famed
Gigondas producer Chateau de Saint Cosme, where he rose to the rank of chef du cave, making 4 vintages during his tenure. His love for Chenin Blanc drew him to Montlouis, where an under-appreciation of this historic appellation allowed him to acquire 9 hectares of sacred old vine sites (mostly planted pre WWII!). He immediately converted the farming of all his vines to certified organics, with the aim to allow these precious old vines to speak without obfuscation. This traditional philosophy extends into the cellar where his use of older barrels shows the deft touch of true Chenin zen."