Savennières

• Chenin Blanc: Exclusively crafted in Savennières, these wines highlight vibrant acidity and a mineral core. When young, expect flavors of green pear, apple, and citrus with floral aromas. As they age, they reveal honey, quince, and dried fruit notes, accompanied by a beeswax-like texture.
• Dry (Sec) Styles: Predominantly produced, these wines showcase the region's signature steely, mineral qualities, offering a robust structure that supports long aging.
• Sweet Styles: Less common but equally captivating, these wines present layers of honeyed complexity, developing a richer profile with time.
• Winemaking Techniques: Employing stainless steel, neutral, or older oak, these techniques preserve the wine's crisp character, ensuring the essence of the terroir shines through.

Savennières sits on a schist-filled plateau overlooking the Loire River, known for its unique terroir. The vineyards benefit from steep slopes and natural hollows called “coulées,” or small valleys, which provide excellent sun exposure and airflow. The thin and stony topsoil consists of decomposed slate-schist and quartz over hard schist bedrock, with pockets of volcanic rock and sands. These heat-retaining, low-vigor soils give the wines a distinctive mineral character.

The mild climate is influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean, with sunny summers and cool to mild winters moderated by the river. Cool nights help maintain acidity in the Chenin Blanc grapes, contributing to the vibrant, steely, and mineral qualities of Savennières wines. These conditions create an ideal environment for producing wines with remarkable longevity and complexity.

In the heart of France’s Loire Valley, the Savennières region stands out for its exceptional white wines made from Chenin Blanc grapes. Known for their elegance and longevity, these wines are crafted by a select group of notable producers:

• Nicolas Joly (Clos de la Coulée de Serrant): A pioneer in biodynamic farming, managing a historic vineyard known for its powerful and enduring wines.
• Domaine du Closel (Clos du Papillon): This family-owned estate is celebrated for traditional Savennières with rich texture and floral, honeyed notes.
• Thibaud Boudignon (Clos de la Hutte): Renowned for intense yet refined Chenin wines, produced with minimal intervention and small-parcel farming.

The Savennières region, nestled along the Loire River, champions sustainability through its commitment to organic and biodynamic farming. Growers prioritize healthy soil and diverse ecosystems, employing eco-friendly methods like cover crops and animal grazing. These practices enhance the unique terroir, characterized by schist-filled soils and a mild climate influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, which contribute to the vibrant, mineral-rich nature of Savennières wines.

In the cellar, winemakers lean towards natural fermentation with native yeasts and minimal additives, allowing the authentic character of Chenin Blanc grapes to shine. This approach not only preserves the integrity of the land but also results in wines that reflect the region's distinct personality. Inspired by pioneers like Nicolas Joly, Savennières continues to build on its legacy of sustainable viticulture, ensuring its wines remain a testament to the harmonious relationship between nature and winemaking.

Wine tourism in Savennières offers a unique exploration of a region celebrated for its Chenin Blanc wines. Visitors can engage with the area's rich winemaking tradition by scheduling tastings and tours at local domaines.

The surrounding vineyards, marked by schist-filled soils and a mild Atlantic-influenced climate, provide a stunning backdrop for cycling or driving along trails connecting to the Loire Valley network.

Nearby Angers offers accommodations and dining options where regional dishes pair beautifully with Savennières wines.

Throughout the year, the region hosts events and open days, especially during the harvest, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the cultural and viticultural heritage of Savennières.

This immersive experience highlights the commitment to sustainability and the pursuit of quality, reflecting the harmonious relationship between nature and winemaking in this exceptional part of the Loire Valley.