Les Vignerons des Coteaux Romanais La Dilecta Touraine Sauvignon 2018

Loire Valley sauvignon blanc is one of the hottest commodities in the entire wine world at the moment. We’re stoked to have found this excellent co-op based in Touraine. 90 POINTS and only $17.95! This is everything you want in Sancerre, but for a fraction of the price!

Les Vignerons des Coteaux Romanais is composed of some 20 different grape growers throughout Touraine, who pool their resources to make this fresh and vibrant expression of the Loire’s most famous grape. “La Dilecta” is named in honor of Madame de Berny, the god-child of Marie Antoinette,, as it was her pet name from her lover (and frequent resident of Tours) Honoré de Balzac. Here, La Dilecta is considered to be the expression of a hidden potential and beautiful terroir – where clay and limestone soils allow sauvignon blanc to grow rich, full, and bright.

The wine showcases classic aromas of dried grass, fresh herbs, and bold citrus fruits such as lemon and orange. Tropical notes of mango and pineapple nod to the warmer clay soils, underscored by a mineral freshness and tension that is quintessentially Loire. There’s pepperiness, but the ripe fruit wins the day, making for a pleasing and full sip that works both with and without food. This is perfect for the warmer days on the horizon, and promises to be a favorite poolside companion once summer rolls around!

PAIRING IDEAS: Grilled whitefish (mahi mahi would be my first choice!) with a mango salsa (not too spicy!). Better chill two of these just in case.