In the Loire Valley, France, a region renowned for its vibrant winemaking heritage, Noëlla Morantin has carved out a niche. Since embarking on her winemaking journey in 2001, Morantin has rapidly ascended to become one of the area's most intriguing and respected vintners, a testament to her relentless dedication and innovative approach to viticulture and enology.

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Morantin's formative career years included significant stints with Agnès and René Mosse in Anjou, an experience that not only honed her skills but also deepened her appreciation for organic winemaking practices. Then her friendship with Junko Ara led her to manage the esteemed vineyards of Les Bois Lucas, setting the stage for her eventual tenure at the celebrated Clos Roche Blanche estate in Touraine. Here, under the mentorship of Catherine Roussel and Didier Barrouillet, Morantin's vision for winemaking took shape.

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Today, Noëlla Morantin operates out of a picturesque cellar in Thésée. This space, nestled within is where Morantin brings her wine-making philosophy to life, leveraging both owned and rented parcels to produce wines that defy conventional expectations.

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Morantin's decision to label her wines under the Vin de France (VDF)

denomination rather than adhere to the more restrictive Appellation

d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) guidelines is a bold statement of her

commitment to freedom and creativity in winemaking. This

choice stems from a desire to transcend the limitations imposed

by traditional classifications, particularly those that dictate the

sensory profiles of wines to fit a predetermined standard.

Morantin's cheeky commentary on the region's appellation system

underscores her disdain for the artificial manipulation of wine

flavors through early picking and the use of industrial yeasts.

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In contrast, Morantin's winemaking process is marked by a return to the basics. She champions the use of native yeasts for fermentation and allows her wines a longer maturation period in old barrels. This method, though requiring patience, yields wines of exceptional depth and texture. Her Sauvignon Blancs, in particular, showcase a remarkable range of expressions—from the zesty to the lushly tropical—challenging preconceived notions of the varietal. Likewise, her reds, crafted from Gamay, Cabernet Franc, and Côt, are celebrated for their profound fruitiness and velvety smoothness.

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Noëlla Morantin's journey in the Loire Valley is a narrative of passion and innovation.Through her work, she not only pays homage to the region's rich winemaking tradition but also redefines it, inviting both connoisseurs and casual drinkers to experience the Loire through a new lens. As she continues to push the boundaries of French viticulture, Morantin's legacy is that of a trailblazer who has left a mark on the world of wine.