Tasting Notes
Very old vines clinging to schist rubble, no soil to be found, facing directly south at the sun. In a very solar vintage, on a naturally low yielding vineyard, these grandfather Chenin Blanc vines produced tiny clusters of tiny raisin like berries, full of intensity. The delicate grapes were picked ultra carefully and lightly pressed, the sweet juice then sat in a couple of old oak barrels gently fermenting for 18 months until finally reaching dryness in its own time. The wine then rested further in barrel, then in tank, and was finally bottled and rested a further few years and is now beginning to come out of its shell. Golden, Honey, Bees Wax, Vanilla, Cedar, Cuban Cigar, Pine Forrest, intensely aromatic, full of vitality. A rare gem. - Charlie Simpson
Savennières is a highly esteemed appellation in the Loire Valley known for its dedication to the Chenin Blanc variety. Amongst the appellations, it stands out for its exceptional production of powerful, dry white wines.
Loïc Mahé sought out this distinction when he started building his Domaine in 2000. He began by acquiring unplanted land within the AOC Savennières, followed by old vine plantings, and eventually a pristine winery, Château la Franchaie. Organic farming practices and biodynamic philosophies were implemented from the beginning to manage and certify the vineyards.
Currently, Loïc cultivates 11 hectares of Chenin Blanc and a small patch of Cabernet Franc for his reds. Over the years, Loïc has slowly reduced his holdings in his unending pursuit of quality, sacrificing quantity to focus on the vineyards most ideally situated on south-facing slopes above the north escarpment of the Loire River. The soils here are predominantly blue and red schist, along with select parcels on volcanic rock with high quartz and flint content, all of which have a thin topsoil of wind-blown sands.
Loïc employs a natural and slow winemaking process, allowing the indigenous yeasts to ferment dry in old oak barrels, never hurried. Only minute amounts of SO2 are added close to bottling. The resulting wines are mineral-rich and pure, yet generous, a layered celebration of schistosity and considered winemaking. - Peta W
| Product Type | Wine White Chenin Blanc |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | France |
| Region | Loire Valley |
| Sub Region | Savennieres |
| Winemaking Practices | Natural |
| Vineyard Practices | Organic/Biodynamic |