Winemaker Wednesday: Philippe Portier
This week we speak with Philippe Portier, who combines tradition and technology to make elegant wines in Quincy.
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):
My domain is a family exploitation that has carried its appellation for several generations. My vines cover a surface of 18 hectares. They are established on parcels of sand intermingled with gravel. Their orientation makes it possible to benefit from ideal sunlight. The combination of these natural elements provides an excellent maturation of the grape.
To grow my vines and produce my wine I have chosen to combine tradition and technology. At any time in history, each generation has to grant its contribution to the know-how of the profession. This is one of the reasons why I established myself in an old and entirely restored Berrichonne farm. It is here, in these grounds full of history, where my most important concern is to produce a great quality wine that will best reveal the nature of my domain.
Sauvignon Blanc is the only grape variety allowed in Quincy. My idea of quality on the field is reflected through a thorough control of our harvest and a careful selection of the best bunches. We thus obtain a beautiful vintage that allows us to make wine under excellent conditions.
To achieve distinction, our cellar employs highly qualified equipment such as: pneumatic pressing, thermo regulated stainless steel vessels and air-conditioned storage. Our wine making is carried out at temperature of 17-18°C in order to enhance the aromatic potential of my grapes. During all the winemaking process, the wine is subjected to regular controls. After a very fine blending process, we achieve a consistent taste: an exceptionally rich and well-balanced wine.
Quincy wine is very elegant and refined. It is characterized by very fine flavors, dominated by floral notes: white flowers, blackcurrant and the typical mentholated and mineral notes of our soil. You can perceive a slightly acid taste to start with and then be surprised by its roundness and the power of its aromatic length. All these different sensations make of Quincy a unique, exceptionally rich and well-balanced wine.
What is your favorite vintage and cuvee from your own property and why?
My preferred cuvee is Domaine Portier, vintage 2009 because this was very round and grass in mouth and very aromatic with passion fruit aromas. The nose was very exotic and expressive.
When you are not drinking your own wines, what are you drinking? What other wines, beers, etc. do you enjoy?
I love Bourgogne red wines, Chinon and Côtes du Rhône.
What is your favorite food and what wine would you pair it with?
My favorite dish is fried foie gras with Quincy Jean Maxime from Domain Portier.
Editor’s Note: Wines from Philippe Portier are available to order at the following stores:
MacArthur Beverages
Wine Exchange
Wally’s Wine & Spirits
If the above stores are unable to ship to your state, we suggest using wine-searcher.com to locate a store near you that carries the wine.