Domaine des Sablonnettes 'Le P'tit Blanc' 2023

We're always delighted by how much charm and life the wines from Christine and Joel Menard (and now their son Jeremy) offer year in and out. Jonathan accurately pointed out recently that these are one of the few hold outs of the OG, "20 and change" wines in this ever evolving scene of natural wines, and how fun it is to be able to enjoy these without pretense and ceremony.  The couple have been devoted to biodynamic farming and winemaking for over three decades in the heart of the Coteaux du Layon AOC (an area famous for its botrytized dessert wines), and stay very busy with a number of different cuvees you've likely seen on our shelves.  Cabernet Franc, Grolleau, Gamay and Chenin Blanc are the prime materials, with all cuvees fermenting spontaneously and bottled without fining or filtration.   Le P'tit Blanc is a playful, pure and fragrant take on Chenin Blanc, from a parcel of vines planted on schist and fermented in stainless steel tanks, with zero sulfur added. It is medium bodied