Region: Coteaux du Giennois, Loire, France
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Tasting: Green and flinty in the glass, this perfumed white delivers zippy acidity, ripe citrus, fresh apple and light spice, hints of tropical fruit, and the Loire’s characteristic silex minerality. Drink now!
Pairing: Lightly seasoned white fish such as cod, sea bass, snapper, sole, haddock, or halibut. This bottle is also a fantastic match for sushi. Dishes including green herbs such as Parsley, Basil, Mint, Tarragon, Thyme, Fennel, Dill, Chives, and Rosemary. Spices including White Pepper, Coriander, Fennel, Turmeric, and Saffron. Softer more briny and sour cheeses like Goat’s milk cheese, Yogurt, and Crème fraîche. Asparagus quiche, white bean casserole with zucchini, and white lasagna are all fantastic vegetarian options! Try this Creamy White Bean and Fennel Casserole by Aaron Hutcherson. Delicious combo!
About: The vintage " While waiting for beautiful days " of the Domain Emile Balland is a vintage of survival for the wine grower Emile Balland who was hard touched by the gel in 2016 and 2017, the gel which decimated any hope of harvest in Coteaux du Giennois. On the morning of April 27, 2016, Emile lost 80% of his harvest when frost descended on his new spring buds. He eventually found some Sauvignon Blanc grapes from other Loire Valley producers that were available for purchase, and was able to make this cuvée. A unique wine in a devastating year for his Sauvignon Blanc, Emile added "En Attendant" (Waiting for) to his usual "Les Beaux Jours" (Beautiful Days) cuvée name.
Emile Balland's family roots anchor him on both sides of the Loire, in the vineyards of Sancerre and the Hillsides of Giennois. The young and talented Emile Balland started his own domaine in 1999. Hailing from a long line of Sancerre vignerons (dating back to 1650!), Emile began to acquire his own parcels in the Coteaux du Giennois and Sancerre while finishing his studies in Agricultural Engineering (Angers) and Oenology (Toulouse). His total holdings are a mere 9 hectares, which he tends to with meticulous attention to detail and with respect for the biodiversity of his vineyards and the organic life of the soil.
