This is a really drinkable, fresh Loire red with plenty of personality, but also real harmony. It’s a blend of Cot (Malbec) and Cabernet Franc, named after the owners’ (Catherine Roussel and Didier Barrouillet) dog, Pif. I picked it up in local wine shop Noble Green Wines, the first time I have seen any of the wines in the UK for ages.
Clos Roche Blanche Cuvee Pif 2011 Touraine, Loire, France
12% alcohol. Light, fresh and sappy, yet ripe and joyful, with subtle green hints to the vibrant blackurrant, red cherry and raspberry fruit. It’s a supple, juicy red of real appeal that has enough complexity to hold the attention, but simple freshness to make it very gluggable. An easy companion of an evening. 91/100 (£13.19 Noble Green Wines)
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4 Comments on Clos Roche Blanche Cuvee Pif 2011
Their wines are awesome.. sadly I think they are retiring and some other folks are starting to make wine from their land..
“…enough complexity to hold the attention”.
Exactly Jamie. I tried this by the glass a few weeks ago at the Green Man and French Horn restaurant in St Martins Lane that specialises in wines from the Loire. Completely delicious and the first Loire red I’ve really enjoyed. It is a bit austere, green and rustic on first tasting but then there’s also this paradoxical juiciness and depth of flavour that’s so beguiling and satisfying.
It’s easily the most interesting wine I’ve tasted this year. The polar opposite of Apothic and all those tricked up international-style reds that our supermarkets and international wine contests seem to favour.
As a Malbec girl, I do love it when an excellent blend is found, and I do like Cab Franc too, so I may have to find this one! Interesting wines are great to hear about….especially when that wine is named after the dog! Wonderful!
Hello Jamie, hope you’re well.
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Having found your fantastic blog, I was wondering if you would be interested in possibly reviewing a bottle of wine from them.
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Michael