Les Quatre Piliers Touraine Grande Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc Bel Air 2020

Bel Air is Valentin Desloges' flagship white, a barrel-fermented Touraine Sauvignon Blanc from the domaine's oldest vines.

The Bel Air terroir is a south-facing site on the left bank of the Cher, home to Sauvignon Blanc vines of around 60 years. Age and low yields account for part of the intensity, but the soils matter as much: red clay sitting beneath a layer of flinty sand, which adds spice and textural breadth. The winemaking follows the pattern of the domaine's Chapitre I, with two differences. This cuvée ferments in barrel rather than tank, and matures for 18 months instead of 12 in ex-Coche-Dury casks, with about 20% new oak from the domaine's own tailor-made barrels. The result is a Sauvignon built on texture and crystalline fruit rather than overt aromatics, with a smoky, stony finish and real length. Bettane and Desseauve have described it as a masterstroke.

Drinking well now and capable of several years in bottle; serve at 10 to 12°C with grilled fish, roast chicken or goat's cheese.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.