Domaine de Nerleux

France

The name of the estate is a testimony of the times when the wolf was an animal roaming our countryside. Nerleux means “Black Wolves” in old French. On the estate of the Domaine de Nerleux, wolves made way a long time ago for the vines and the noise of the clippers replaced the howling. The nobility of the wolves and men alike left a lasting impression on the estate, its terroir and then its wines. The Neau family took over the estate in 1870. Since then, nine generations of winemakers succeeded each other until Amélie, the first woman of this lineage, took over.

Amélie did not wait long before putting her imprint on the Domaine de Nerleux, starting the conversion to organic viticulture. This change was made little by little, starting with the work on the soil. Hectare by hectare, chemical weeding was replaced by mechanical weeding and even manual weeding in some plots.

The land the estate is located on is made of “tuffeau”, a limestone typical of the Saumur-Champigny appellation. This lovely stone gives the wines of the Domaine de Nerleux their typicality. Its porosity allows it to retain water to give it back later to the vines at the moment they need it the most. On the vine stocks, the leaves remain green even during the times of drought, a major asset during this era of global warming. These remarkable characteristics combined with Chenin for the Saumur Blanc and with Cabernet Franc for the Saumur-Champigny give a lot of freshness to the wines of the family estate.

Wines

Crémant de Loire Folie des Loups Rosé · Profile

The colour of this charming sparkling wine has the delicacy of raspberry and Loire salmon. The effervescence forms a delicate creamy cord. The nose is persistent, the red and black fruits (raspberry, wild strawberry,    blackcurrant) bring a very nice fruity freshness. On the palate, the impression is velvety, even unctuous. The lively and subtle aromas of roses, rosemary, and cherries support the interesting, softened vivacity of vanilla and licorice.

SKU 857504

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Crémant de Loire Folie des Loups Rosé · Pairing

An ideal aperitif on a summer evening, or with salmon tartare. An elegant and refreshing accompaniment to desserts with red fruit and chocolate.

Cuvée des Nerleux Saumur Blanc · Profile

The colour of the Cuvée des Nerleux is yellow with delicate green gold reflections. There is a beautiful freshness in the nose. You can find white peaches, yellow plums, citrus and also exotic fruits (mango) and floral notes. The finish is velvety and harmonious.

SKU 857505

 

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Cuvée des Nerleux Saumur Blanc · Pairing

A great choice with fish tartare, smoked salmon, grilled fish, and lobster in cream sauce. Also delicious with fish pies and goat cheese.

Cuvée des Nerleux Noir Saumur-Champigny · Profile

A beautifully balanced Cabernet Franc with a round and velvety finesse. The ruby colour with black reflections perfectly expresses the maturity of the grapes. The nose is delivered with finesse and confidence. The aromas of fine and delicate red fruit combine with black fruits aromas with a touch of licorice and moist undergrowth.

The attack on the palate is frank, round and velvety. The tannins are soft and wrapped with a final touch of freshness, enhanced by the aromas of red berries and blue flowers (iris and violet).

SKU 857572

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Cuvée des Nerleux Noir Saumur-Champigny · Pairing

The acidity and soft tannins of this Cabernet Franc make it a good match to firm-fleshed fish with a reduced sauce using the same wine. It also goes very nicely with grilled red meats, steak tartare, and lamb chops. A good choice with game birds.