# Domaine Philippe Tessier Cour-Cheverny Blanc (2023)

- **Producer:** Domaine Philippe Tessier
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Romorantin
- **Region:** Loire, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.3%
- **Average price:** €20
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lemon, apple, peach, quince, mint, butter, cream, honey

## About this wine

Domaine Philippe Tessier is located in the Cheverny and Cour-Cheverny AOCs in the eastern Loire Valley. Founded in 1961 by Roger Tessier, the estate was transitioned to organic farming by his son Philippe in 1998 and is now managed by Simon Tessier. Cour-Cheverny is a unique, tiny appellation dedicated exclusively to the Romorantin grape, which was originally introduced to the area by King François I in the 16th century. The estate focuses on expressive, low-intervention wines that reflect the clay-silica soils of the region.

## Interesting facts

- Cour-Cheverny AOC is the only wine appellation in the world dedicated exclusively to the Romorantin grape.
- King François I introduced the Romorantin grape to the Loire Valley in 1519 when he brought 80,000 vines from Burgundy.
- Domaine Philippe Tessier has been certified organic since 1998 and practices minimal-intervention winemaking.

## Food pairing

The vibrant natural acidity and chalky minerality of Romorantin slice through rich goat cheese and creamy butter sauces, while complementing delicate seafood and light poultry without overpowering their delicate flavors.

## Wine making process

The 2023 Cour-Cheverny Blanc is crafted from hand-harvested Romorantin vines aged 5 to 20 years grown on clay-silica soils. Fermentation occurs spontaneously using indigenous yeasts without chaptalization. The wine undergoes direct pneumatic pressing and completes 100% malolactic conversion. It is aged in stainless steel and concrete vats to preserve purity and mineral drive. Prior to bottling, the wine receives a light filtration and a minimal dose of sulfur dioxide.