LOÏC MAHE (Anjou/Loire. France)
Known as the Domaine du Gué d'Orger, this tiny parcel of nature-ridden land was created by Löic in 2007 after he moved from home region of Brittany. He apprenticed under his winemaking friend Damien Laureau in 2001, after working as a geologist with Department of Agriculture. He accepted an offer to purchase the vines, happily finding complex schist and sand soils below. If a child were ever to find his perfect candy store, LoˆØc would have been that child. Here he can apply his mathematical and searching mind to the processes of wine making to reveal the intricate layers of earth his digs through daily. He did not move here simply for what lies below either. His parcel has incredible biodiversity flying, crawling and buzzing (and snailing) above too. It is absolutely covered in grass and herbs. It is a perfect, natural ambiance for his old Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc varietals. He works to preserve that harmony and is rewarded with concentrated, complex grapes. Coupled with dense planting too, the yields are low (25hl/ha). So at ease with technology, Löic makes use of modern wine making equipment, including temperature controlled steel and wood for fermentation and ageing. Only indigenous yeasts are used and minimal manipulation is the credo. He is definitely a mix of the new and the old, a harmony of cascading sounds. The Tin-Man and the Scarecrow. John Henry and the Steam-engine at once. He is a unique breed of wine maker with his heart in the right place’Ķin his vineyards.
Coteaux de l'Aubance 2009

100% Chenin Blanc from Coteaux de l'Aubance vineyard. Hand picked over several passes. Pressed cool into cuve to ferment with wild yeasts(1-5days). Moved to tank to rest and settle on fine lees. Bottled with low SO2