Description
The Charente, just northwest of Bordeaux, running up to the Atlantic coast, is a little known appellation of France, but its fine spirit is renowned all over the world. Indeed, Cognac remains the world's most-prized grape-based spirit, as it has been for the last 300 years.

Late in the 20th century, spirit consumption worldwide declined and, like Gascony nearby, growers needed to find another use for some of their grapes. They discovered they could also make crisp dry whites in a style to rival those of Bordeaux next door.

Traditionally the region has grown the Ugni Blanc grape. However, in the last 20 years, the area has adopted more fashionable varieties such as Colombard, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc so it can produce crisp, dry whites.

Thanks to its proximity to the Atlantic, the region tends to produce a lighter, fresher style of Chardonnay, enhanced in Domaine Liboreau by fermentation at a low temperature in stainless steel and not a glimmer of oak.

Owner of this estate is Monsieur Marilleau, who has travelled the world learning his winemaking skills. He is also President of the Cave de Liboreau close by, which produces his and other small growers' wines. Ten years ago, it was totally re-equipped after maturing stocks of Cognac caught fire and set the streets alight!