Andre Bonhomme Vire-Clesse Les Hauts des Menards

Menards, Viré-Clessé
Vieilles Vignes – Over 80 Years Old

From a steep, east/southeast-facing hillside in the village of Viré, the Menards parcel is rooted in shallow red clay over limestone bedrock. With vines over 80 years of age, yields are naturally low, resulting in wines of impressive concentration and depth.

Fermentation is slow and entirely natural, taking place in oak barrels with indigenous yeasts and bacteria over an extended 24-month period. The result is a wine of both power and finesse.

In the glass, it shows a luminous green-gold hue with golden reflections. Aromas of white flowers and ripe orchard fruits are layered with toasty notes and hints of hazelnut. The palate is rich and complex, unfolding with flavours of acacia, hawthorn, stone fruit, and a touch of smokey minerality. Roasted and spicy nuances carry through to a long, fresh finish, lifted by a minty edge.

A superb match for roast veal, poultry, fine fish, or lobster. This is a wine built for both immediate pleasure and graceful aging.