Wines Cour-cheverny Le Petit Chambord - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Le Petit Chambord 2022 from the Cour-Cheverny appellation in the Loire Valley is a truly unique French white wine. This cuvée is composed entirely of Romorantin, a rare and characterful grape variety indigenous to the area and almost exclusively cultivated within Cour-Cheverny. The 2022 vintage benefited from a relatively mild spring and a warm, sunny summer, resulting in grapes with optimal ripeness and a vibrant acidity. The vinification typically follows a gentle pressing accompanied by a patient, temperature-controlled fermentation, often in stainless steel to preserve the bright, primary fruit and the grape’s distinctive minerality.

Cour-Cheverny is a distinctive enclave within Touraine, in the heart of the Loire Valley, and is renowned for its production of 100% Romorantin wines. The local soil is predominantly sandy and clay-limestone, offering excellent drainage and imparting a subtle minerality to the wine. The cool, temperate climate, with marked Atlantic influences, allows for long, slow ripening which is ideal for developing both aromatic intensity and balanced acidity. This region has a rich winemaking history dating back to the 16th century when Romorantin was introduced by Francis I, contributing a unique heritage to the diversity of Loire wines.

In terms of pairing, Cour-Cheverny’s fresh acidity and nuanced structure make it an excellent companion for a range of dishes. It pairs splendidly with river fish like pike-perch or perch in beurre blanc, and also cuts beautifully through the richness of goat’s cheeses typical of the Loire, such as Crottin de Chavignol. Its subtle floral notes and lively palate work particularly well with shellfish, oysters, and white asparagus. For a truly regional match, try it with a tarte aux poireaux (leek tart) or a simple rillettes de Tours served with crusty bread.

For optimal appreciation, serve Le Petit Chambord Cour-Cheverny 2022 chilled but not icy, ideally at 10-12°C. This temperature will preserve the wine’s finely etched acidity and expressive aromas, allowing the full breadth of Romorantin to reveal itself. Decanting is not necessary, but giving the wine a few minutes in the glass will help its aromatic complexity unfold.