# Smalt (2023)

- **Producer:** 1006 Vins de Loire
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Sauvignon Blanc
- **Region:** Loire, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Average price:** €23
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** grapefruit, lemon, gooseberry, passion fruit, honeysuckle

## About this wine

Smalt is a white wine produced by 1006 Vins de Loire, a project led by winemaker Pauline Lair. The wine originates from the Val de Loire region, specifically the Touraine sub-region, and is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc. It holds the Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP) classification. The vineyards are located in Controis-en-Sologne, at an elevation of about 120 meters, with soils composed of sand, clay-limestone, and silex. The vines are approximately 30 years old. 1006 Vins de Loire is named after the 1006-kilometer length of the Loire River, and Pauline Lair's philosophy centers on creating sincere, low-intervention wines that showcase their terroir. The wine is a reflection of this approach, highlighting the purity of the Sauvignon Blanc fruit and the specific vineyard characteristics.

## Interesting facts

- The producer's name, 1006, refers to the length of the Loire River in kilometers.
- Winemaker Pauline Lair runs an urban winery in Angers.
- Vineyards are situated at approximately 120 meters elevation.
- Grapes are hand-picked from vines averaging 30 years old.

## Food pairing

The wine's bright acidity cuts through rich sauces and complements seafood. Its fruit-driven character pairs well with lighter proteins and vegetables, while its minerality can echo subtle flavors in dishes.

## Wine making process

Smalt is produced using a low-intervention approach. The grapes are hand-picked from organically farmed vineyards. Winemaking involves slow and gentle pressing, followed by spontaneous fermentation with natural yeasts in vats. The wine then undergoes aging for 8 to 9 months in vats or concrete tanks. This process is designed to preserve the natural character of the Sauvignon Blanc and the specific terroir of the Val de Loire.