Chateau de Plaisance Savennieres

In the universe of Chenin Blanc, Savennières has traditionally been associated with grand, imposing wines with an aristocratic character. And while intensely sweet wines were the style on the opposite side of the river in Layon, here the sweetness was less pronounced, though the wines were not necessarily dry. In the case of Château de Plaisance’s Savennières, we have a modern, austere yet deeply expressive interpretation of the variety from the lieu-dit “Les Mauriers,” on windswept sandy soils over schist, with the bedrock close to the surface; the wine accurately captures the intensity and structure of the terroir. The nose is complex and restrained, with notes of citrus, ripe apple, wax, herbs, and crushed stone, while the barrel adds subtle hints of nuts and spices. On the palate, it is dense, nervy, and austere, with sharp acidity, salty energy, and great persistence. A Chenin with power and precision, perfectly expressing the terroir and aging potential of Savennières.