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Winemakers: Franck Breton
Grape Varieties: 100% Chenin Blanc
Farming: Organic Practicing
Terroir/Soil: 40 year-old-vines, Easterly exposed slopes, rocky, silty sand.
Vinification: Hand-harvested with careful sorting; gentle pneumatic pressing; Méthode Traditionnelle fermentation with indigenous yeasts, in stainless steel.
Tasting Notes: This sparkling wine has a full and rich flavor, balanced
perfectly by lively mineral and tangy tones. A wave of bubbles will reveal aromas of apple and white flowers.
From our October 2023 Bottle Club Notes:
Franck Breton Fun en Bulles Brut, Montlouis-sur-Loire, Loire Valley, France NV
The Loire Valley, often referred to as the "Garden of France," is renowned for its diverse terroirs, incredible cheese and produce, and, of course, exceptional wines. Franck Breton, the driving force behind this delightful sparkling wine, meticulously tends to 8 hectares (19 acres) of vineyards in Montlouis-sur-Loire. Surrounded by the Loire and Cher rivers, it benefits from moderated temperatures and a prolonged ripening period for the grapes. The microclimate, along with the diverse mix of flinty, sandy silt soils, allows his Chenin Blanc to develop complex flavors while retaining vibrant acidity—essential qualities for crafting outstanding sparkling wines.
Franck's dedication to organic viticulture and his hands-on approach defines why we adore this wine. The Chenin Blanc is gently pressed into stainless steel tanks, where fermentation begins spontaneously with indigenous yeasts. Then, the wine is bottled, and a mix of grape juice and yeast is added back to the bottle to ignite a secondary fermentation, trapping the CO2 inside the bottle. This is known as the Méthode Traditionnelle (aka Champagne method) of making sparkling wine. Montlouis-sur-Loire’s unique regional character sets it apart from the fuller-bodied, toasty wines of Champagne. Chenin Blanc’s pure fruit expression, naturally high acidity, and mineral-laden terroir create a sparkling wine that is light, vibrant, expressive, and deeply rooted in its origin, yet incredibly easy to drink!
"Fun en Bulles" translates from French to "Fun in Bubbles," a delightful reminder from Franck that his wine is meant to be joyful, celebratory, and shared with those who bring you happiness. But it's not just for celebrations; it’s also a well-made wine! Notice its vibrant bouquet of crisp green apples, white peaches, and subtle hints of citrus, plus the delicate floral notes of jasmine and acacia which add to its aromatic complexity. Chill it, pop it, and pair it with pan-seared halibut, spicy dan-dan noodles, beer-battered fish and chips, or tangy goat cheeses like Humboldt Fog or fresh chevré tossed in salads. — Cara Patricia