Clos du Porteau finished but the chauffeur is still busy

 

Isabelle de Clermont-Tonnerre (winemaker)

A quick call yesterday evening to Isabelle de Clermont-Tonnerre (Clos du Porteau, Saint Georges-sur-Cher)  established that they had just picked the last of their Cabernet that day, which had come in a 14%. Apparently a number of other producers in Saint-Georges also also finished yesterday including Norbert Berry.

Aynard, le chauffeur extraordinaire, is still very busy hiring out his thermovinification machine in many parts of Touraine. Demand appears to have been boosted significantly this year due to the prevalence of rot. Apparently heating the must up to 60˚C gets rid of the taste of rot and the thermomachine has been used on a wide range of wines including Sauvignon Blanc in Touraine and Chenin in Vouvray and Montlouis. It will be interesting to taste the wines as I think it is similar to the technique used in parts of Beaujolais and the Côte Roannaise as the process emphasises the fruit. I don't know whether this reduces the wine's potential to age, although many of these wines will be made for early consumption so it may not be an issue.

Further research required I fancy.