Les Poëte : Orphée 2020

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Orphée 2020 from Domaine Les Poëte

Tasting

Appearance
The wine displays a pale yellow hue with slightly golden highlights.

Nose
The nose opens with fresh, vibrant aromas of acacia and orange blossom, accompanied by citrus notes. Subtle nuances of white fruit and a honeyed touch complete this delicate and complex bouquet.

Palate
The attack is lively, followed by a full-bodied development revealing beautiful richness and a generous texture. The minerality brings tension while the white fruit aromas and floral notes linger. The saline and slightly bitter finish offers impressive length.

Food and wine pairing
This white wine pairs perfectly with seafood and grilled fish, particularly with citrus-based sauces. It also goes beautifully with aged goat cheeses or herb-seasoned poultry dishes.

Serving and storage
The Orphée 2020 can be enjoyed now but will continue to evolve until around 2035. It is recommended to decant it approximately one hour before serving to allow for better aromatic expression.

An exceptional white wine by Les Poëte

The estate
Founded in the early 2000s by Guillaume Sorbe, Domaine Les Poëte quickly established itself as one of the most ambitious producers in the Centre Loire. The estate takes its name from the winemaker's grandmother, Esther Poëte. Guillaume Sorbe, from a winemaking family, chose to create his own venture after acquiring a solid background in sommellerie and oenology in Beaune. Today, the estate spans 17 hectares, including 6.45 hectares of vines spread across 28 distinct parcels in the Reuilly, Quincy, Touraine and Pouilly-Fumé appellations. The estate's philosophy is built on the principle of "Less but better," prioritizing quality over quantity. Les Poëte practices uncertified organic and biodynamic viticulture, integrating animal husbandry (sheep, horses, bees, chickens) and biodiversity preservation. The estate has received exceptional critical recognition, notably from Michel Bettane, who considers Guillaume Sorbe a future world-class master of Sauvignon Blanc.

The vineyard
The Orphée 2020 is a Vin de France produced from 1.5 hectares spread across nine distinct parcels. The vines grow primarily on clay-limestone soils, complemented by alluvial gravel deposits and red sands over a limestone bedrock. The viticulture is meticulous and respectful of the living environment, with yields deliberately limited to between 14 and 45 hectoliters per hectare depending on the parcels. Harvesting is carried out by hand at optimal ripeness, favoring a balance between aromatic and analytical maturity.

Winemaking and aging
After hand-harvesting, the grapes for the Orphée 2020 are pressed under nitrogen inerting to preserve the delicate aromas. The musts undergo cold settling before fermentation, which takes place with indigenous yeasts, partly in stainless steel tanks and partly in 400- or 600-liter barrels. Aging continues on fine lees for 12 to 18 months, with regular stirring to develop texture. The wine is then blended and bottled six months before release.

Grape variety
100% Menu Pineau (also known as Arbois). This historic Loire Valley grape variety, now increasingly rare, is distinguished by its naturally low acidity, offset by beautiful minerality and notes of honey and dried fruit as it ages.