At a glance

Producer

Domaine des Ardoisières

Region

Loire Valley, France

Grape variety

Gamay

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Fruity

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$20-$30

Tasting profile

Fresh red berry fruits, subtle floral notes and earthiness with light mineral undertones

Evolution: Develops complexity in tertiary aromas of dried herbs, game and forest floor after 5+ years

At peak: Balance of ripe fruit, delicate tannins, and mineral complexity

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, bright and refreshing

Tannins

Moderate, fine-grained

Alcohol

13%

Aging potential

8-10 years considering producer style and vintage quality

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2030

Optimal window

2024 to 2032

Current status

Young but approachable

Current condition

Fresh fruit forward with moderate tannin grip

The 2022 vintage's favorable weather contributed to ripe fruit balanced with acidity. This terroir-expressive wine gains complexity from bottle aging stabilizing tannins and elevating aromatics by year 5-7 post-vintage.

Food pairing

Pairs well with roasted poultry, grilled charcuterie, mushroom dishes, and mild cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

15-17°C / 59-63°F

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — To soften tannins and allow aromatic complexity to open up

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Domaine employs minimal intervention, cover crops for soil health, limited irrigation, and eco-friendly packaging

Domaine des Ardoisières emphasizes sustainable viticulture with natural soil management, limited chemical inputs, and reduced energy use at winery, resulting in a relatively low environmental impact for Loire Valley producers.