Domaine Saint-Nicolas - La Grande Pièce 2012
Loire
Red
Sold individually
Drink or Keep
17/20
RVF
"Admirable density of texture for this solid, racy wine with superb mellowness, which literally develops the palate. Very skilfully managed, the ageing remains at the service of the wine." (Le Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France 2017 - RVF). A racy, fruity, very delicate red... A great bottle!
Features
Estate
Domaine Saint-Nicolas
Cuvée
La Grande Pièce
Vintage
2012
Designation
Fiefs Vendéens
Region
Loire
Grape varieties
100% Pinot Noir
Terroirs
schistose soil, gentle slopes with south-west exposure
Viticulture
biodynamic since 1995
Harvest
in crates
Winemaking
maceration in open wooden vats for 14 days, cap punching, fermentation without yeast or chaptalization
Breeding
in double new barrels for 15 months
Alcohol content
13%
Organic
Yes
Tasting & pairing
Eye
beautiful, deep, bright red colour
Nose
fruity, with red fruit and truffle accents
Mouth
racy, fruity, very delicate, silky tannins
Serve
at 14-16°C
Open
1 hour before
Drink from
2017
Drink before
2024 and beyond
Food and wine pairing
enjoy with red meat, game...
Domain Saint-Nicolas
Fiefs Vendéens
Expert opinion
Bettane & Desseauve
Domain rated (guide 2024) 3*Stars (High-quality production that can serve as a benchmark in its sector)
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 make his 42 hectares of clay, schist and quartz, located on the Atlantic terroir of Brem, in the Pays des Olonnes, between marsh and forest, shine. The oceanic influence brings a unique saline freshness to the wines. This exemplary estate welcomes visitors with great kindness.
Guide des Vins Gault & Millau
Domain rated 4*Stars (top-quality production)
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
Domain rated Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Rated (2017 guide) 17/20 (Grand vin)
Domaine rated (2024 guide) 1*Star (Stars in the making or quality winegrowers with a good level of production, you won't be disappointed when you taste the wines from these estates)
About the wine:
Admirable density of texture for this solid, racy wine with superb mellowness, which literally develops on the palate. Very skilfully managed, the ageing remains at the service of the wine.
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!
Customer reviews
Customer rating
5/5
on 1 reviews
Note and review by M. JEAN FRANCOIS R. Published on 14/09/2017
See all reviews from this customer
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