Winemaker Wednesday: Clermont-Tonnerre
Tell us about your property (how long it has been in your family, how long you have been making wine there, the size, any growing philosophy you might have):
Our property is managed by two passionate people, Isabelle & Aynard de Clermont-Tonnerre. The hard work in the vineyard. during harvest and during maturation has led to beautiful results in the wine.
We have been making wine since 2004 and we have around 22 hectares in Touraine Chenonceaux AOC.
The philosophy of growing is very very important. We are Terra Vitis, it is the highest standard of sustainable agriculture. We always strive to respect nature and all the diversity.
If you do not come from a winemaking background, how did you come to the wine business?
We were in the banking industry in UK and Germany before taking over the family estate. We wanted to start a new challenge.
What is your favorite vintage and cuvee from your own property and why?
Our favorite wine is Pet’Nat a Petillant Naturel it is a sparkling rosé, low in alcohol and fruity. It is absolutely unique.
When you are not drinking your own wines, what are you drinking? What other wines, beers, etc. do you enjoy?
It is a real pleasure to taste other wines. We love to drink wines from many places including New Zealand, Chile, Loire , Burgundy, Rhône and Languedoc.
What is your favorite food and what wine would you pair it with?
A Sauvignon Blanc with goat Cheese or a Vouvray andouillette with a Chenin of Montlouis.