Clos de la Briderie Touraine-Mesland 2005

[Thraz]

$12.87 at Garagiste.

This is an appellation I had never heard of. It is located to the east of Vouvray, and it produces wines in all three colors.

One of the most interesting wines I have tasted lately. It is made with 70% chenin blanc and 30% chardonnay. All mineral undertones and overtones, no wood, not much fruit, perhaps a little chenin-like honey, good acidity. Long finish. Mid-palate is dominated by a flavor I can't put a name on, but which reminds me of sushi. In fact, I believe this would be an ideal wine with sushi, and I will be testing that theory tonight with the second half of the bottle.

I looked up the appellation, and it has an official website (http://www.touraine-mesland.com/). Not a word in English so I guess not exported much. Anyway, in the white wine category the site only mentions chenin blanc as a grape, and I had never heard of chardonnay grown in the Loire, so this seems like an oddity. I hope I can find it again.