2023 Domaine Florent Cosme “Grosse Pierre” Vouvray Sec, Loire Valley, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

Florent Cosme employs natural winemaking practices with minimal intervention, often fermenting with indigenous yeasts and avoiding the use of additives. This approach allows the purity of the fruit and the expression of the terroir to shine through. The wine is likely aged in stainless steel or neutral barrels, which helps preserve its fresh, zesty character while allowing for subtle complexity to develop.

The grapes for the “Grosse Pierre” Vouvray Sec come from old vines planted on limestone soils, which give the wine both minerality and depth. These soils, combined with the region’s continental climate, contribute to a wine that balances freshness with complexity.

The term “Grosse Pierre” translates to “large stone,” likely referring to the large, rocky stones found in the vineyard, which influence the growing conditions and contribute to the wine’s unique character.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Florent Cosme has deep roots in Vouvray, with his family having been in the village for generations. Being the youngest sibling in the family, the vineyards originally owned by his grandmother, went to his older brother Mathieu. This small speed bump would not stop young Florent from pursuing his dream of making wine in his sacred home village. After finishing oenology school, he took a full time position with famed Vouvray producer Vincent Careme as one of his key vineyard managers. In 2010, he quietly accrued some beautiful, old vine parcels along the Premiere Cote of Vouvray (the steepest and rockiest section of Vouvray home to the best vines of the village). During nights and weekends, he would work his 4 ha of vines organically, eventually making his first vintage in 2011. Today he has committed himself full time to his small, but growing domaine. Only indigenous yeasts are used, never any malo, and the wines are aged in older 400L barrels. With his small domaine, Florent is part of a young and talented group of vignerons who have elevated this noble appellation through organic farming and non-interventionist winemaking.