Etienne Bodet Graippeaux Chenin Blanc 2022

Etienne Bodet represents the fifth generation of his family to work the Jurassic limestone soils of Montreuil-Bellay in Saumur, where both sparkling and still wines have been produced for more than a century. After formative years spent alongside his father and family, Etienne broadened his horizons under the guidance of some of France’s most respected vignerons, working with Sylvain Pataille in Burgundy, Bernard Baudry in Chinon, François Dal in Sancerre, Aurélien Gerbais in Champagne, as well as closer to home with Romain Guiberteau and three vintages at Clos Rougeard. These experiences instilled in him a philosophy of precision, patience and respect for terroir, particularly in his work with the two great grapes of Saumur – Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc.

In the vineyard, Etienne farms organically with a strong leaning toward biodynamics, using copper, sulphur and preparations such as 500 and 501, while avoiding the rigid dogmas of certification. Vines are pruned using Guyot Poussard, soils are worked manually, and harvesting is always by hand with careful sorting – often with the help of his grandfather. In the cellar he takes a similarly thoughtful but risk-embracing approach: fermentations are carried out with native yeasts and no sulphur, often with a proportion of whole bunches to highlight elegance and spice. Malolactic fermentation takes place during maceration, with élevage stretching over two years in barrel, followed by time in vat and bottle before release.

The results are wines of rare refinement and character – Chenin Blanc that captures the limestone purity and tension of Saumur, and Cabernet Franc of polish, depth and vitality. Each cuvée speaks clearly of Etienne’s meticulous craft and the soils of his ancestors.