Place: Saumur – Loire Valley, FRA

Variety: Chenin Blanc

Farming: Biodynamic

The Hardouin family has farmed vineyards in the Loire’s appellations of Saumur and Saumur-Champigny since 1783! However, the most exciting chapter for this estate began in 2017 when the great Loire vigneron Nicholas Reau took over farming and winemaking. Purity of fruit and racy texture are the hallmark here, resonating with great energy and a remarkable sense of place.

Possibly (probably) one of the best chenin blancs we have drunk in a long while. From clay-limestone soils, it is hand-picked then meticulously sorted before pressing. Raised in large oak and held on lees for almost a year, it is layered, cut fresh by bristling acidity and wanting of air and time to fully unfurl.