Region: Loire Valley (Touraine), France
Grapes: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Body: Light to Medium
Notes: Crisp green apple, white peach, lemongrass, candied grapefruit peel, wet flint, and subtle white floral blossoms, with a driving, mouthwatering acidity, chalky mineral tension, and a clean, vibrant finish
Pairing: Continuous charcuterie boards, fresh goat cheese (Chèvre), oysters on the half shell, grilled asparagus, or seared white fish with lemon and herbs
The Producer
Clos Rousselly is a historic, 80-year-old estate situated in Angé within the Touraine region of the Loire Valley, perched above the banks of the Cher River. Spearheaded by winemaker Vincent Roussely, the 30-hectare domain is certified organic and operated with deep respect for natural biodiversity, plowing fields by horse and avoiding all chemical herbicides or pesticides. The vineyards sit atop prized clay and limestone soils rich in local flint (silex). In the cellar, Vincent practices gentle, low-intervention winemaking: utilizing slow spontaneous fermentations with ambient wild yeasts, minimal sulfur additions, long aging on fine lees in ancient underground tuffeau limestone caves, and no heavy fining or aggressive filtration.
The Wine
"L'Escale" is Clos Rousselly’s benchmark, ultra-pure expression of Touraine Sauvignon Blanc. Sourced from organically farmed 30- to 40-year-old vines rooted in flint-rich clay and limestone, the hand-harvested grapes undergo gentle pneumatic pressing followed by spontaneous fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine ages on its fine lees to build a supple mid-palate texture that beautifully balances its signature high-toned Loire acidity. The 2025 vintage delivers remarkable aromatic precision and freshness; it masterfully pairs an expressive bouquet of citrus, orchard fruit, and herbal notes with a chiseled mineral drive and a long, quenching finish.
Region: Loire Valley (Touraine), France
Grapes: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Body: Light to Medium
Notes: Crisp green apple, white peach, lemongrass, candied grapefruit peel, wet flint, and subtle white floral blossoms, with a driving, mouthwatering acidity, chalky mineral tension, and a clean, vibrant finish
Pairing: Continuous charcuterie boards, fresh goat cheese (Chèvre), oysters on the half shell, grilled asparagus, or seared white fish with lemon and herbs
The Producer
Clos Rousselly is a historic, 80-year-old estate situated in Angé within the Touraine region of the Loire Valley, perched above the banks of the Cher River. Spearheaded by winemaker Vincent Roussely, the 30-hectare domain is certified organic and operated with deep respect for natural biodiversity, plowing fields by horse and avoiding all chemical herbicides or pesticides. The vineyards sit atop prized clay and limestone soils rich in local flint (silex). In the cellar, Vincent practices gentle, low-intervention winemaking: utilizing slow spontaneous fermentations with ambient wild yeasts, minimal sulfur additions, long aging on fine lees in ancient underground tuffeau limestone caves, and no heavy fining or aggressive filtration.
The Wine
"L'Escale" is Clos Rousselly’s benchmark, ultra-pure expression of Touraine Sauvignon Blanc. Sourced from organically farmed 30- to 40-year-old vines rooted in flint-rich clay and limestone, the hand-harvested grapes undergo gentle pneumatic pressing followed by spontaneous fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine ages on its fine lees to build a supple mid-palate texture that beautifully balances its signature high-toned Loire acidity. The 2025 vintage delivers remarkable aromatic precision and freshness; it masterfully pairs an expressive bouquet of citrus, orchard fruit, and herbal notes with a chiseled mineral drive and a long, quenching finish.
What is natural wine?
Natural wine is wine made with minimal intervention from the winemaker, using organically or biodynamically grown grapes and without the addition of chemicals or additives such as sulfites. The result is a wine that is unique, expressive, and often has a more complex and nuanced flavor profile than conventional wines. Natural wine is also often associated with sustainable and ethical farming practices, making it a popular choice for those interested in environmentally friendly and socially responsible products.