Le Roi Soleil 2022 | Domaine Des Grandes Espérances | Touraine

Wine Identification
Le Roi Soleil 2022 is a white wine produced by Domaine Des Grandes Espérances, located in the Touraine appellation of France’s Loire Valley. The estate is based in Mesland.

Origin and Winemaking
This 100% Sauvignon Blanc originates from a vineyard planted thirty years ago. The vines are cultivated in clay-loam soil. Harvesting is conducted manually to ensure careful selection of the grapes.

The winemaking process begins with a twelve-hour skin maceration, followed by a forty-eight-hour cold soak designed to extract maximum aromatic potential. Fermentation takes place in used barrels that have previously held wine for two vintages. The wine undergoes ageing in these same barrels with regular lees stirring (bâtonnage) to keep the fine lees suspended, adding texture and complexity to the final blend.

Expected Profile
As a white wine from Touraine, Le Roi Soleil presents as a Sauvignon Blanc crafted with attention to aromatic preservation and textural depth. The extended cold soak and skin contact suggest a nose rich in fruit expression, while the use of neutral barrels and regular lees stirring indicates a palate that balances typical Sauvignon Blanc acidity with a rounded, creamy mouthfeel. The wine is structured for freshness yet possesses the weight often associated with barrel-fermented whites.

Overall Character
Le Roi Soleil 2022 represents a thoughtful approach to Sauvignon Blanc in the Loire Valley. By combining traditional varietal characteristics with modern techniques such as cold soaking and lees stirring, Domaine Des Grandes Espérances produces a wine that is both aromatic and texturally engaging. The use of older barrels ensures that oak influence remains subtle, allowing the fruit and terroir to shine through without overwhelming the palate.