Domaine de la Motte News
Spring 2007: Gilles Sorin’s 2005 vintage of Anjou rouge was awarded two stars in Hachette, the most comprehensive and respected independent French wine guide. Even better, his Anjou-Villages 2004 and Coteaux du Layon Rochefort 2005 were both selected to represent the entire appellation in 2006 at the Maison du Vin. This is a great honour (and the result of a stiff competition!) as the Maison du Vin has been set up by Interloire, the organisation which represents the winemakers of the whole of the Loire Valley, to show off the region’s best to wine professionals and tourists alike. If you’re in the region, you can see – and taste – for yourself at Angers (opposite the château) and Saumur (by the river).
Summer 2006: Gilles Sorin’s Anjou Rouge 2004 has won the 'Coup de Coeur' in Hachette 2006 - with a 'Good Value' indication to boot. Although it is only translated into English every two years, Hachette is the ‘French Wine Bible’ and probably the best French reference for awards as it is completely independent. The 'Coup de Coeur' awards go only to the top 2-3% of wines every year, and although 'Coup de Coeur' doesn’t translate easily, it generally refers to wines the tasters fell in love with at first sip.
Spring 2006: At the Cave Ouverte at Maison Lenique in Champagne last November, Gilles Sorin told us that he still had grapes to harvest for the Coteaux du Layon Rochefort 2005 special cuvée La Garde which he last made in 2002. The grapes are in fantastic condition with plenty of ‘noble rot’ and the 2005 vintage should be very special indeed. Coteaux du Layon is one of the best value-for-money wines in France, and Gilles’ wines are consistently amongst the best. Those of you who think you don’t like sweet white wines really should try a glass of this with blue cheese! The 2002 vintage of La Garde was awarded a Gold Medal at the International Wine Challenge in 2004. Gilles also told us that the restaurant Les Tonnelles on the island of Béhuard (in the Loire river) had been awarded a Michelin star. We have known this restaurant for many years and it is directly opposite the Sorin’s gîte, which is available for Partners. The journey home after a good meal (the wine list is also excellent).