At a glance

Producer

Domaine des Ardoisières

Region

France, Loire Valley, Touraine

Grape variety

Sauvignon Blanc

Wine type

White

Body

Light-bodied and Crisp

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$22-$28

Tasting profile

Bright citrus, green apple, wet stone, and herbaceous notes with energetic acidity.

Evolution: Acidity softens slightly over 3-4 years, revealing richer mineral and subtle honeyed notes.

At peak: Balanced expression of fresh fruit and mineral complexity with a clean finish.

Structure

Acidity

High to very high, typical of Loire Sauvignon Blanc

Tannins

None (white wine)

Alcohol

12.5%

Aging potential

Moderate, 5-7 years ideal; can extend slightly with proper storage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2024 to 2026

Optimal window

2023 to 2028

Current status

Approaching optimal drinking window

Current condition

Fresh and vibrant with good acidity

The vintage 2021 from Domaine des Ardoisières shows typical Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc character with a crisp acidic structure that supports drinking starting about 2 years post vintage, reaching peak expression around 3-5 years. This window aligns with typical Loire white standards for fresh yet mineral-driven wines.

Food pairing

Ideal with seafood (oysters, clams), goat cheese (Crottin de Chavignol), light salads, and sushi.

Serving

Serving temperature

8-10°C / 46-50°F

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Focus on minimal synthetic inputs, use of cover crops, water conservation, and reduced energy consumption in cellars

Domaine des Ardoisières emphasizes sustainable viticulture aimed at soil health and biodiversity. While lacking formal organic or biodynamic certification, the producer employs eco-friendly practices including reduced pesticide usage, vineyard floor cover cropping, water management systems, and lightweight packaging to minimize environmental impact.