Our first 100% white virtual tasting and it was an absolute cracker with the fabulous wines from Pascal Jolivet who is based in the Loire Valley.

Two wines were on show, his 2018 Sancerre and his 2018 Pouilly Fume.

First up, the Pascal Jolivet Sancerre 2018, which received rave reviews across the board from our tasters. 100% Sauvignon Blanc, a beautiful nose of Citrus, Gooseberry, Floral and flint with a smooth, elegant and rich palate. Everything about this wine was on point – with superb balance of everything you would wish for in a wine. Receiving what we think is the highest virtual tasting score for a wine so far in the series with an average of 8.91 out of 10, this is a rockstar wine that you could happily drink on any occasion.

Then we moved to the other side of the Loire Valley and tasted Pascal Jolivet Pouilly Fume 2018. It was always going to be a tough act to follow the Sancerre – and trying this wine certainly sparked up much debate. For a wine that is made from the same grape variety, with the same wine making methods, with only subtle differences between the make up of the terroir, it was surprising just how different this wine was. Vibrant yellow in colour, notes of citrus and apple, flint and minerality, also spice. Again this wine was rich, elegant and complex. This time possibly a touch more oily in character, but equally well made with superb balance. It was agreed that this would be a wine best enjoyed with food – so something like Smoked Salmon, Shellfish or Goats Cheese. It also received a very commendable average score of 8.11 out of 10.

A very interesting tasting – so please click here to see the slide deck that was very well presented by Sophie.

Congratulations to Dawn Henderson and her sister Sharon for winning the Canape of the Week competition. The Henderson’s are possibly 3 time winners of this coveted award – not surprising the the array of tempura prawns, pate, charcuterie and more! (assume all sourced from the Loire Valley?!?)

We look forward to heading to Languedoc in 2 weeks time for a tasting with two red wines from Domaine Clavel.