La Favorite
Crémant de Loire

Awards
Produced in very limited quantities, this Crémant de Loire is not presented at competitions.
Description
AOP
Grape variety
Localisation
Terroir
Vine management and harvesting
The Domaine de Rocheville has been certified Organic Agriculture since 2019 (after 3 years of conversion) and was previously certified Terra Vitis (Living Earth) since 2011, a label that ensures respect for life from the vine to the bottle.
The soil is worked mechanically to avoid the use of herbicides, the plots benefit from natural grassing which improves the richness and structure of the soil, and a range of measures aim to protect the biodiversity (planting of hedges, roses, etc.).
Finally, the vines are subject to various types of care (short pruning, disbudding, green harvesting) aimed at limiting production and increasing the quality of the grapes.
The vines that give birth to the La Favorite, are around 50 years old, produce around 60hl/ha whereas the average yield of the AOC Crémant de Loire is 74hl/ha.
Vinification and maturing
Hand-picked, the bunches are harvested in slightly under-ripe condition and carefully transported in openwork boxes to the press. The juice obtained by a delicate pneumatic pressing is filled into barrels for alcoholic fermentation. The base wine thus obtained is matured on fine lees for 8 months before “tirage”.
The bottles then rest on slats for 36 months (whereas the minimum required by the Appellation is 12 months). This time of maturing in the cellar allows the natural foaming and the formation of very fine bubbles according to the traditional method.
When disgorging, the addition of a few millilitres of a liqueur concocted according to our own “home-made” recipe reinforces the balance and elegance of this sparkling wine, without adding any sweetness.
Storage
Chenin – Chenin – La Favorite – Crémant de Loire – Crémant de Loire
Sensory discovery
Appearance
In the flute, La Favorite has a pale-yellow colour.
Bouquet
The Bouquet evokes white fruits (pear) and white flowers (hawthorn).
Palate
Its fine and harmonious bubbles reveal all the refinement and aromatic complexity of this magical grape variety that is Chenin: beautiful attack on the palette where freshness and long-lasting aromas (hazelnut) are mixed.
Wine and food pairing advice from the winegrower
A wine for pleasure and celebration, “La Favorite” is at ease in many circumstances. If it is a wine for receptions and dinner aperitifs, its finesse vinous also allows it to be served with fish, seafood, and shellfish dishes. On a cheese platter, it takes its place with pressed cheeses such as Beaufort, Comté, Parmesan… For an original harmony, taste it with a Brillat Savarin or a tomme aux fleurs.

