Paire 'La Colline en Flamme' Chardonnay

“La Colline en Flamme” translates to “the hills are burning”, and this Chardonnay is on fire! It has all the hallmarks that you want from a good Chardonnay, white florals and grapefruit, with a citrussy palate back by lots of oak and richness. The best thing is, its fuller than most, but stays classically French in its acidity and minerality.

Romain Paire is an exciting name in Loire Valley's 'Côte Roannaise' region, with the cattle farming family having lived in the town, Villemontais, for over 300 years. He heads up Domaine des Pothiers, and is known as a traditional yet inventive producer. 'Pothiers' takes its name from the little part of their vineyard, the 'lieu-dit' (in French) in which the winery is situated.  The hills of Beaujolais are in view of their home in the Côte Roannaise, which is designated as Loire Valley. As in Beaujolais, wine grower Romain Paire and his family specialise in Gamay, and for you Beaujolais lovers who know, it's arguably considered the 'eleventh cru' (where there are only ten quality designated villages or 'crus') It's a little tongue-in-cheek way of acknowledging they really do make excellent wine on par with their distant neighbours. 

Invigorating old vineyards, is what the Paire family do best, especially with the sites selected for Gamay. Although well-known for making amazing Gamay, there are very tiny amounts of Chardonnay and Pinot Gris produced, which give worthy whites to their range.  Everything they do is very 'hands on'. They pick the fruit by hand, and all of the vineyards are either organically certified, or in conversion. They truly do have a special place making special wine!