Domaine des Pothiers "Bulles" Sparkling Gamay NV

Ah... the Loire. One of the greatest terroirs in the world. It used to be the ocean and now it just imparts immense minerality and brine in all that grows there. It's incredible. Gamay, we know best from Beaujolais, but here in the Loire it gets a touch lighter and a wee bit brighter. It's enough to make it etherial practically.

Our friends at Domaine des Pothiers already make gorgeous still reds from the Cotes Roannaise, but who knew they'd knock it out of the park with this particular and delicious sparkling gamay?  We didn't. The label is light hearted and fluffy, and on some level so is the wine.. and then on some level, it's more than that. 

The nose offers all that beautiful rose petal smell you love about gamay, but there's a hint of fruit here too. Its bubble is fine and mousse-y. Easy easy drinking (thank goodness - only 8% alcohol) and fun! The mouth is a touch ripe with raspberry and cherry flavors. Its got great snap and acidity. It's simply lovely, and will go quick, only 100 cases were produced. 

Pothiers "Bulles" Sparkling Gamay  $19/btl

meet the family

George, Denise + Roman Pair
It's a wonderful commentary that with such delicious wines, there is no exalted winemaker here at Domaine des Pothiers. Instead, there is a lovely family who simply refers to themselves and their wine in a casual manner. George works with the cows and keeps the equipment up and running. Oh, and he spends some time in the vineyard. Denise, oh yeah, she does some administrative work and answers phone calls, and, right, spends some time in the vineyard (i've seen pictures of her with a carrier on her back harvesting grapes). And then there's Roman who provides marketing, organizing shipments and, oh fine, he spends time actively involved in the winemaking. It's great! Truly a family business with one goal, many hands and lots of heart. The wines are damn fine too, and certified organic.