Sparkling Wine Heavyweight: Sanzay Brut 400
Last week Dan shared with you one of our new favorite 'Mom & Pop' winemakers -- Didier Sanzay of Domaine des Sanzay. Despite his imposing frame, his easy smile and mischievous eyes will win you over - something we needed while attending the nearly overwhelming trade fair.
Also necessary - a palate refresher from the hundreds of tannic, full bodied, and sadly less-than-distinct wines we had been slogging through all morning. By the time we got to them on day two of tasting, we had already tasted 200 wines before noon (I know, rough life, right?), and our palates were feeling a little worn down.
The Sanzay table was the perfect stop, because Didier crafts exquisite, energetic and uplifting wines. The Domaine has a twin focus -- a full range of elegant and distinct Cabernet Franc based wines, and some of the most elegant Chenin Blanc from Saumur I’ve come across, and, not just the still variety!
Like many small producers in the Loire, Domaine des Sanzay produces a sparkling Chenin Blanc. Theirs is called simply ‘400’. Didier was quick to pour us a taste, and after a sip, or two our shoulders relaxed, our palates opened up, and then we got to chatting.
How was the 2024 harvest? Challenging...
How was the trade show going? Busy!...
...and Hey!! this is really good - but why is it called '400'?
With a grin and laugh, Didier explained the story behind the name ‘400’:
Like many winemakers in the area, Didier is the latest in a long line of winemakers going back generations. It was his great-grandfather, who not only helmed the domaine in his time, but was well known and respected in the village of Varrains. He was also an imposing man, and nicknamed 400 by the villagers because they believed he must have weighed 400 pounds!
Fortunately, this wine is a little lighter on its feet, but it still makes an big impression.
Domaine des Sanzay ‘400’ Saumur Brut
This sparkling wine is made in the Méthode Ancestrale; all native yeast, no added sugar at bottling, 12 months aging on the lees, and no dosage at disgorgment - precise and refreshingly dry, but full of expresive fruit and a spectrum of aromas. Primarily made from Chenin Blanc (80%) with its naturally high acidity and complex aromatics, Didier add about 20% Chardonnay to round out the palate for an incredible texture.
The final result: A crystalline sparkling wine with drive and intensity. Refreshing lemon-lime aromas, tangy apple, a note of freshly cut hay, a long finish, and a lingering smile.
This is the perfect bottle of bubbly to remind us that sparkling wine isn't just for special occasions, it is the occasion! So it goes without saying you'll want to have a bottle or two of this around, in case you need to turn any evening into an event.