Domaine Saint-Nicolas - Cuvée Soleil de Chine 2009

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

Thierry Michon, ably assisted by his sons Antoine and Mickaël, is the leader of the Vendée vineyard. A pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in the region since 1993, he continues to promote his 42 hectares of clay, schist and quartz, located on the Atlantic terroir of Brem, in the Pays des Olonnes, between marsh and forest. The oceanic influence brings a unique saline freshness to the wines. This exemplary estate welcomes visitors with great kindness.

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

About the domain :

The Michon family has been growing vines on the Ile d'Olonne since 1960. The estate has grown steadily, and today covers almost forty hectares. Thierry is the orchestra conductor here, and with him there's no respite: biodynamic viticulture has been practiced since 1993, across a wide range of grape varieties (pinot noir, cabernet franc, négrette, chenin, chardonnay and grolleau...). It's as if the whole of French winegrowing had gathered on a small island...

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

With notes of roasted fruit, Soleil de Chine is typical of the rich 2009, with a slightly sweet sensation yet channeled by a fresh, saline finish. A great success.

About the domain :

Thierry Michon, supported by his sons Antoine and Mickaël, runs the only estate of international stature in the Vendée. On the little-known Brem terroir, his vines are entirely biodynamically cultivated, although yields have unfortunately been low in recent years. Under the influence of the ocean, the vineyard produces chenin and chardonnay whites (yellow stone fruits and a saline finish), and long-aged pinot noir reds (Jacques, La Grande Pièce), as well as gamay, negrette and cabernet franc. We're enthusiastic about these saline, finely-crafted whites, but we have reservations about the reds, which are robustly structured by a high degree of ripeness and extraction. The wines are now classified as Vin de France, as the Fiefs Vendéens specifications prohibit single-vineyard and single-place cuvées. How sad to see this appellation fail to recognize its leader!