Benoit Lagarde Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 23

Hammond and I love Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé; however, we turn to the Touraine for outstanding quality and value in Sauvignon Blanc for everyday enjoyment. Touraine Sauvignon Blanc shares many of the nuances of its famous neighbors to the east without sharing the higher price tag.

The AOP Touraine is an appellation d'origine protégée located in the center of France's Loire Valley. The vineyards of the Touraine AOP surround the city of Tours and feature some of France's most breathtakingly beautiful picture-postcard scenery. Vignoble Gibault's best Sauvignon Blanc vineyards are planted here, on the ancient terraces of the Cher River. The soil on the banks of the Cher is a mixture of flint and shell-rich clay, perfect for Sauvignon Blanc.

Vignoble Gibault has been a family-run estate for three generations. Original owners Patrick and Chantal Gibault gradually accumulated just over 30 hectares of vines in the Touraine AOP. Anne-Sophie and Benoit Lagarde recently purchased the Domaine, and they continue to work the estate sustainably with the intent to certify organic in the near future.

In your glass, you'll be delighted to find this delicious Sauvignon Blanc from Touraine drinks more like one of its renowned neighbors to the east. The balance of fruit and minerality is simply stunning! Notes of lemon zest, orchard fruit, white flowers, and just a whisper of ruby-red grapefruit treat the palate through to the fresh, lengthy finish.

Don't miss this one if you're a Sauvignon Blanc fan!