Author: Dirk Chan
Located in historic town of Vendée (an hours drive directly south of Nantes), the vineyards for Prieure La Chaume is in fact the southernmost vineyard of the Loire Valley, equidistant from the Loire and the Medoc of Bordeaux. Completely planted on chalky soil, one of the vineyards is planted on southern slopes, another third on western slopes facing the Atlantic ocean and more exposed to the maritime weather, and a remaining third on the plateau.
Our feature this week is their Prieure la Chaume Bel Canto – $29.99 (regularly $37.99), a 100% Merlot cuvee organically farmed featuring a deep mazarin redcurrant-y color with dark purple hints. First mouthfeel offers a supple and velvety wine, with black berries aromas such as blackcurrant. Both supple and meaty, this wine got a soft species finish with black pepper notes. The name is a tribute to the Opéra de Parisan opera singer, Genevieve XIV born in Nantes in 1879, who became famous for her performance of Bel Canto, said to be ‘soft, elegant and swingy’.
Bel Canto is vibrant, elegant and expressive. It is a wine to enjoy now. Classy, supple, fleshy, velvety with black berry fruits and a touch of spice and peppery notes on the finish.
2017 Prieure La Chaume Bel Canto (Loire Valley, France) – $29.99 (regularly $37.99)