2011 L'Etoile Vin de Paille

The 2011 L'Etoile Vin de Paille is produced with a mixture of Chardonnay, Savagnin and Pulsard, which aged for three years in barrel. It fermented to 14% alcohol from dried grapes of a potential alcohol of 19% alcohol. It has a dark amber, almost mahogany color and a fine nose of tarte tatin, with around 120-130 grams of sugar. The palate is sweet but not cloying or too rich, with beautiful acidity, which compensates sugar and alcohol; it makes the wine drink like a fruit juice -- really pleasant and moreish. It is a great dessert on its own or even better with an apple pie. Some 2,200 bottles of 375 ml are produced per vintage.