I didn't get a chance to taste many Loire wines at the London Wine Trade Fair this year but I did stop by the Ackerman stand to try their popular rosé fizz, which is made from Pineau d'Aunis sourced in the valley of Le Loir. X Noir has the characteristic spicy, peppery flavour of Pineau d'Aunis. First launched in 2007 X Noir's main customers are young women up to the age of 35. X Noir has its own blog.
A number of very attractive rosés are made from Pineau d'Aunis in the Cher Valley. Usually they are pale coloured as the grapes are pressed immediately without any skin contact. For the moment these are usually sold as Appellation Touraine but under the proposed bizarre reforms of the Touraine appellation pure Pineau d'Aunis rosés will not be allowed. A local variety, Pineau d'Aunis after some years in the wilderness is now inceasing valued. As well as making attractive spicy rosés, it also makes good, light and delicious summery reds.
X Noir's tag
I'm assuming that they can still be made, just not called Touraine.
ReplyDeleteBob. Quite right and I'm sure they will continue to be made but probably sold as vin de France.
ReplyDeleteI had a bottle of X Noir a couple of years ago. I hate to admit it but that very girlie pink label was irresistable - even tho I passed their 35year age group an awfully long time ago. The wine was quite nice, too !!
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