Domaine Sérol - Pourquoi Faire Sans Blanc 2024
With Pourquoi Faire Sans Blanc, Domaine Sérol ventures beyond the traditional borders of the Côte Roannaise to offer a free and contemporary interpretation of Chenin. Based in Renaison, Carine and Stéphane Sérol have greatly contributed to the revival of this high-altitude vineyard located on the eastern foothills of the Massif Central. Their work is based on demanding viticulture, careful observation of the terroirs, and vinifications that favor the natural energy of the grape. While Gamay Saint-Romain remains at the heart of the family identity, white wines now occupy an important place in the estate's research. This cuvée belongs to the Sérol Champs Libres range, dedicated to creations made with greater geographical and stylistic freedom. The grapes are selected from vineyards managed organically, then vinified in Renaison with the same precision as the estate's own cuvées. The playful name of the wine reflects this desire to explore new horizons without giving up the freshness and frankness that characterize the house.
Pourquoi Faire Sans Blanc 2024 is a dry white wine made exclusively from Chenin sourced from two distinct terroirs, one southern and the other more northern. This dual origin seeks a balance between fruit ripeness, liveliness, and depth. The grapes are pressed directly, then the juices ferment thanks to indigenous yeasts, without the use of selected aromatic yeasts. The vinification mainly takes place in concrete tanks, complemented by passages in large oak vats and 500-liter barrels. These different containers add texture and breadth while avoiding an overly marked woody imprint. The wine then undergoes six months of aging on fine lees, during which it gains volume and precision. A light filtration precedes bottling, which is carried out directly at the estate.
The pale yellow robe is bright, animated by slight golden reflections. The nose opens on fresh pear, ripe apple, and white flowers, then reveals nuances of citrus, quince, and fine wax. The palate combines a soft attack with a well-defined tension, characteristic of Chenin when it maintains balanced ripeness. The lees aging brings a delicately enveloping texture without weighing down the structure or dulling the freshness. Flavors of ripe lemon, pear, and white almond accompany a finish marked by fine bitterness. The whole has enough relief to go beyond a simple aperitif role while maintaining an immediate and thirst-quenching expression. This white will accompany grilled fish, almond trout, shellfish, creamy poultry, roasted vegetables, or a lightly aged goat cheese.
Grape variety: Chenin
