Jean Loron
Domaine des Billards Héritiers Loron Saint-Amour
2019
Producer:
Jean Loron
Variety:
Gamay Noir
Region:
Burgundy, France
Vintage:
2019
ABV:
13.5%
About
Gamay Noir is a light-bodied red wine that is similar in taste to its beloved cousin: Pinot Noir. Grown primarily in a region called Beaujolais, Gamay wines are loved for their fruit character that is derived mostly from the aromas rather than the taste. It’s a light, cheerful wine that pairs extremely well with a wide variety of foods, making it hard to go wrong.
Why We Like It
Chablis is a stand-out in the wine world for being an unoaked style of Chardonnay. Chardonnay has been typecast as full-bodied, buttery and oaky, and this wine is anything but those things! Fresh, clean and minerally, this Chablis is classic and a great value from this region that is notoriously pricey! Romain Collet, the winemaker, recently took over for his father and has converted the whole winery to organic farming, and ever since, the wines have shown a new depth and concentration. I’m excited to see what they will do in the future!
What We Taste
Crisp green apples, lemon pith, and freshly baked brioche. The palate has more depth and creaminess than some styles of Chablis, but it is still unmistakably classic!
What We Smell
Oyster shells, lemon juice, chalkboards and the beach. It’s fresh and bright while still remaining elegant and understated.
Food Pairing
At Chambar, the Moules Frites Vin Blanc: Chablis and shellfish are a natural pairing, as the elegance and delicacy of the wine work well with the light and simple broth of this classic dish.
Region
Chablis is best known as the Chardonnay making wine region in Burgundy, France. Visiting this tiny village is similar to taking a step back in time. Medieval houses and narrow streets lead to a massive church, while vineyards dominate the surrounding area. Did we just describe a scene from Game of Thrones? Probably. Nonetheless, this picture-esque village with 15th century vibes makes some of the purest Chardonnay on the planet.
Producer
The Collet family has, since 1792, and from generation to generation, dedicated themselves to their vines and vineyard. They’ve been around a looonnng time and have had centuries to perfect their wines. It’s some seriously good stuff. The winery and cellar are both located in the heart of the village of Chablis and they’re currently represented by Romain, the fourth generation of Collets. The Collet family has never hesitated to invest in their wines and always ensure that you’re drinking the best of the best. It makes sense why they’ve been around for so long.
Wine Vikings Team Tip*
Turn on Netflix, throw on The Office, Bridgerton, or some other show you’ve watched and rewatched during the pandemic. Pop a big bowl of popcorn and season it with garlic, herbs, and butter- the perfect pairing. This sounds like our kinda Tuesday night.
*This tip does not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of our featured Wine Viking but is instead how our team in the background likes to enjoy these wines, along with a few simple hacks.