Chateau De Villeneuve Saumur Blanc
WHY WE LOVE IT
- A proportion of the fruit in this cuvee comes from the remarkable Clos of “Cormieres.”
- This is a bone dry example of Saumur blanc with massive natural acidity – It marries perfectly with the cuisine of the region, which is characteristically high in fat even by French standards.
Varietal Composition: 100% Chenin Blanc
Elaboration: Entirely handpicked in the morning, brought to the winery on the estate where it is sorted, pressed and delivered to tank with gravity. Fermented in new French oak with native yeast and maintained in contact with its lees. After it is finished fermenting, 40% is kept in stainless steel, 30% is moved to new oak and 30% to second use French oak barrels.
Tasting Notes: A bright, clean, and somewhat austere Chenin Blanc somewhat like a fine Chablis with high-tone acid and minerality.
PRESS
n/a
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Chateau de Villeneuve has been continuously producing since 1577. Jean-Pierre Chevalier is a 4th generation viticulturist. His parents were producers in Dampierre-sur-Loirecomes and purchased this winery in 1969. The property covers 25 hectares of vineyards planted on a limestone terrace overlooking the Loire River and produces AOC Saumur and Saumur-Champigny. The farming and winemaking are certified organic since 2011. Any SO2 additions are extremely minimal.