In the glass
Aroma: white peach, gooseberry, wet stone, lemon blossom
Palate: citrus zest, white pear, saline mineral, long crisp finish
Sauvignon Blanc from ungrafted pre-phylloxera-style vines, planted on sand soils that escaped the root louse. Denser, more textured and longer than typical Touraine Sauvignon.
What it pairs with
-
Crottin de Chavignol
Loire goat cheese and Sauvignon Blanc are a textbook regional pairing. -
Pan-seared scallops with lemon butter
Saline mineral lift and seared shellfish align. -
Asparagus with hollandaise
The wine's high acidity handles asparagus's notoriously wine-unfriendly profile.
History
Vinifera Sauvignon is the Marionnets' ungrafted Sauvignon Blanc cuvee, planted on sandy Sologne soils that historically resisted phylloxera. The wine offers a reference for pre-phylloxera, ungrafted Sauvignon expression.
- 1992 — First vintage of ungrafted Vinifera Sauvignon
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Henry Marionnet
- Grapes
- Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
- Classification
- Touraine AOC
- Oak
- Tank only on lees for 6 to 8 months, no oak
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- EUR 18 to 28 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3 to 10 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1992
- Organic
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Scores
- Vinous 91 (2020 vintage, reviewed 2022)
Frequently asked about Vinifera Sauvignon
What does Vinifera Sauvignon taste like?
White peach, gooseberry, wet stone and lemon blossom on the nose; citrus zest, white pear, saline mineral and a long crisp finish on the palate. Medium-bodied with high acidity.
When should I drink Vinifera Sauvignon?
Drink between 3 and 10 years from vintage. Serve at 10 to 12C; the ungrafted vines give the wine more ageing capacity than typical Touraine Sauvignon.
What food pairs with Vinifera Sauvignon?
Crottin de Chavignol, pan-seared scallops with lemon butter, and asparagus with hollandaise are all strong matches.
What grapes are in Vinifera Sauvignon?
100 percent Sauvignon Blanc, from ungrafted pre-phylloxera-style vines planted on sand soils at Domaine de la Charmoise.