Michel Redde - Chasselas "Gustave Daudin" 2023 (750ml)
Price: $39.99
| Producer | Michel Redde |
| Country | France |
| Region | Loire Valley |
| Varietal | Chasselas |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Sku | 205593 |
| Size | 750ml |
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Michel Redde Description
Today the vineyards of Michel Redde cover more than 42 hectares, and they are planted with Sauvignon Blanc and Chasselas, varieties eligible for the Pouilly-Fumé and little-known Pouilly-sur-Loire appellations respectively. The former variety dominates greatly, Chasselas accounting for just 1.5 hectares of this vineyard.
The terroirs of Pouilly-Fumé mirror those of Sancerre, in that there is predominantly limestone, especially Kimmeridgian marl, fossil-rich limestone mixed with clay (also known as terres blanches), Oxfordian limestone (known as caillottes) and of course there is flint. The only major difference is that in Pouilly-Fumé as well as Oxfordian limestone caillottes there is also later Portlandian (or Tithonian if you prefer) limestone. The Redde vineyards feature all of these classic soil types.
Pouilly-Fumé can be a difficult appellation to get to grips with; although it is no less famous than Sancerre (well, not much, anyway), there does not seem to be the broad base of quality-focused growers regularly turning out reliable wines here as there are on the other bank of the Loire. Nevertheless, in the wines of Michel Redde, run in recent years by Thierry Redde, and today by his sons Sébastien and Romain, we have a source of good quality Pouilly-Fumé that should satisfy the most ardent Loire-Sauvignon addict.
There’s also a rare Chasselas bottling named Gustave Daudin, and that’s probably due to the amount of love they put in – gobelet vines produce tiny yields on flint soils, vinifying in demi-muids and remaining on lees for up to a year.
Vinous: 88 Points
The 2023 Gustave Daudin is 100% Chasselas. Delicate and neutral, it's done in an apéritif style. This provides gentle refreshment rather than raciness. It is light in body with rounded shoulders thanks to maturation in foudres. This is pleasant, crisp easy drinking with a bright flinty note. The secret to this is its very low yields. The 2023 was planted in gobelet to give the grape variety concentration, which is often served as a table grape.
