Les Poëte : Toison d'Or 2020

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Toison d'Or 2020 from Domaine Les Poëte

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a pale yellow hue with slightly golden highlights, bright and clear.

Nose

The bouquet is initially discreet before gradually opening up to aromas of ripe yellow fruits, particularly peach and apricot, accompanied by citrus notes. After aeration, peppery and menthol nuances emerge, adding an extra aromatic dimension.

Palate

The attack is energetic and fresh, followed by a compact body and a round texture. The palate reveals ripe fruit flavors evolving toward a subtle minerality. The balance between richness and freshness defines this wine, with a long finish marked by a fine bitterness that brings precision.

Food and wine pairings

This white wine pairs ideally with grilled fish in beurre blanc sauce, pan-seared seafood, poultry in creamy sauce, or goat cheese. It also goes beautifully with a mushroom or asparagus risotto.

Serving and storage

The Toison d'Or 2020 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 50 and 54°F. This wine has a cellaring potential through approximately 2028.

The elegance and precision of a dry 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 education 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 non-certified organic and biodynamic viticulture, integrating animal husbandry (sheep, horses, bees, chickens) and the preservation of biodiversity. The estate has received exceptional critical recognition, notably from Michel Bettane, who considers Guillaume Sorbe a future world master of Sauvignon Blanc.

The vineyard

The vineyard of Domaine Les Poëte comprises 28 parcels spread across diverse terroirs. This Toison d'Or cuvée, produced as a Vin de France, comes from a selection of parcels on clay-limestone and gravel soils. The viticulture follows biodynamic principles with respectful soil management aligned with natural cycles, controlled grass cover, and manual harvesting. Yields are deliberately kept low to prioritize quality.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness. Winemaking is carried out using indigenous yeasts, followed by extended aging in demi-muids with very little new oak. Sulfur use is kept to a minimum. This approach allows the wine to develop its complexity naturally while preserving the aromatic purity of the grape variety.

Grape variety

Sauvignon Blanc (100%).