The Loire is undoubtedly ground zero for Petillant Naturel (Methode Ancestral). Pristine and precise, these bubbles deliver loads and loads of pleasure. "La Petite Gaule du Matin" is a zesty and expressive blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc with a little Chardonnay. Squeaky clean, this is like fresh fruit from the orchard slammed into a bottle, with a frothy bubble set that leaves you craving more. A seriously tasty Pet Nat!
FRANTZ SAUMON, Montlouis-sur-Loire
Franz Saumon is not from winemaking stock. Indeed, he enjoyed a successful career in forestry management in Canada before returning home in the mid-90's to set up his estate at Huisseau in the Montlouis region of the Loire between Tours and Orleans. He initially began with 3 hectares of vines but with subsequent acquisitions, his domaine now stands at 6 hectares: 5.5ha of Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc and ½ ha, red grape varieties. The vineyards are situated mainly at the foot of the famed Huisseau Plateau where all the best local names are located but Frantz also has holdings in Chapitre and Lussault-sur-Loire. The vines are planted on soils of sandy clay, limestone and flint and everything is carried out strictly according to organic principles. The grapes are manually harvested, only indigenous yeasts are used and the use of sulphur is very restricted.