rating B+

standout sparkling Montlouis

about part of a generation of dynamic, experimental winemakers, Xavier Weisskopf founded Le Rocher des Violettes in 2005, purchasing 9ha of vineyards in the overlooked appellation of Montlouis which lies the other side of the river from Vouvray. Having studied in Burgundy and worked in the southern Rhône, Xavier has used his experience to forge his own distinctive identity. Xavier works with grape varieties historic to the region, although not always associated with them such as Malbec (locally called Côt). It's a sign of his commitment to tradition as well a willingness to experiment and do things a little differently.

wines tasted

Pétillant Montlouis-sur-Loire (vintage) ($29)

100% Chenin Blanc, from 40-year-old vines on clay-limestone soils. The initial wine is aged in 1/3 old wooden vats, before a second fermentation in the bottle for 28 months, with no dosage before release. Classical example of the pétillant style of Montlouis/Vouvray, with Chenin Blanc aromas of wax, honeycomb, smoke, and hazelnuts.

website www.lerocherdesviolettes.com

email contact@lerocherdesviolettes.com

phone +33 2 47 23 52 08

address 34 rue de la Roche, Dierre