Domaine de la Petite Sœur's Plasma 2023

Domaine de la Petite Sœur, founded by Adrien de Mello, is a natural wine producer in Anjou, in the Loire Valley of France. De Mello started the winery with a strong focus on biodynamic and organic farming, ensuring that all vineyard practices respect the environment and foster biodiversity. The winery is certified organic, with the vineyards planted primarily on schist and limestone soils, contributing to the wines' signature minerality and freshness.

The estate produces various wines, including whites, reds, rosés, and sparkling. One of the standout features of Domaine de la Petite Sœur's winemaking philosophy is the low-intervention approach, allowing the natural characteristics of the grapes and terroir to express themselves fully. The wines are fermented spontaneously using wild yeasts, and no sulfites are added during the winemaking process. The cellar work emphasizes minimal manipulation, and the wines are bottled without filtering or fining. Signature wines include Plasma 2023, a unique blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. This wine offers a fresh, vibrant profile with notes of red berries and a saline finish, perfect for warm days​.

Anjou, located in the heart of the Loire Valley in western France, is one of the region's most diverse and historic wine-producing areas. Known for its wide range of wine styles, from dry and off-dry whites to rich, full-bodied reds and world-renowned sweet wines, Anjou thrives on its varied terroir and climate.

Climate and Terroir

The region benefits from a temperate maritime climate, with the Loire River playing a crucial role in moderating temperatures, creating favorable conditions for viticulture. The soils in Anjou are a mix of schist, limestone, and volcanic rock, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the minerality that often characterizes the region's wines.

Key Grape Varieties

• Chenin Blanc is Anjou's signature white grape, producing everything from dry, mineral-driven wines to luscious, botrytized sweet wines like Coteaux du Layon and Quarts de Chaume.
• Cabernet Franc is the main red grape used in the production of Anjou Rouge and Saumur-Champigny. These wines are known for their bright fruit flavors and herbaceous, earthy notes.
• Anjou also produces rosé wines, Rosé d'Anjou and Cabernet d'Anjou being notable examples. These wines offer vibrant, refreshing profiles.