2019 Saumur, Clos de L'Ecotard, Michel Chevré, Loire
Critics reviews
Since 50% of the potential crop was lost during the spring frost, the 2019 Saumur Blanc Clos de l'Ecotard was one of only two wines produced here by Thibaud Chevré that year. Sourced from two hectares densely planted with vines averaging six years old (8,000 vines per hectare), the crop yielded only 22.5 hectoliters per hectare (one selection).
Aged in French barrels for ten months, with the malolactic fermentation excluded, the 2019 opens with a very fine and elegant yet intense bouquet of ripe pears, a dash of lemon juice and delicate earthy and yeasty notes. Round and rich on the palate, this is a full-bodied, very intense and juicy yet elegant, refined and textural Chenin with a very fine, saline, long and aromatic finish (ripe pears again). Persistent fruit aromas. An excellent, almost hedonistic Saumur bottled with fine grip and 14.5% alcohol.
Drink 2023 - 2035
Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate (October 2021)
About this WINE
Clos de l'Ecotard
Anjou-Saumur
Anjou-Saumur is a Mid-west Loire region most famous for the fine sweet Chenin Blanc wines of Bonnezeaux, Coteaux du Layon (including the exemplary - if tiny- Quarts de Chaume appellation) and Coteaux de l'Aubance.
The bulk of the wines produced in the Anjou region comprise the bland `Rosé d'Anjou' (made from the Grolleau grape) and marginally better Cabernet d'Anjou; Some smoky dry Anjou Chenin Blanc also produced.
The Saumur region's bread and butter is its Mousseux, while it also produces some dry Saumur Chenin (similar to Anjou's version) and some impressive Cabernet Franc, chalky dry thanks to the `tuffeau' soils.
Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc is an important white grape variety planted in the Anjou-Saumur and Touraine regions of the Loire Valley and the most widely planted varietal grape in South Africa.
In the Loire it produces high quality dry wines in Savenniéres, and luscious sweet, dessert wines in Coteaux du Layon, Bonnezeaux and Quarts de Chaume. In Vouvray and Montlouis it can be dry, medium dry, or sweet, and still or sparkling. Whether dry or sweet, the best Loire Chenin Blancs possess marvellously concentrated rich, honeyed fruit together with refreshingly vibrant acidity. It is Chenin Blanc's high acidity that enable the wines to age so well.
In South Africa Chenin Blanc is easier to grow and is prized for its versatility. It is used as a cheap blending option with Chardonnay, Colombard, and Muscat but also bottled unblended. The best producers keep their yields low and produce impressive mouthfilling wines.
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Description
Since 50% of the potential crop was lost during the spring frost, the 2019 Saumur Blanc Clos de l'Ecotard was one of only two wines produced here by Thibaud Chevré that year. Sourced from two hectares densely planted with vines averaging six years old (8,000 vines per hectare), the crop yielded only 22.5 hectoliters per hectare (one selection).
Aged in French barrels for ten months, with the malolactic fermentation excluded, the 2019 opens with a very fine and elegant yet intense bouquet of ripe pears, a dash of lemon juice and delicate earthy and yeasty notes. Round and rich on the palate, this is a full-bodied, very intense and juicy yet elegant, refined and textural Chenin with a very fine, saline, long and aromatic finish (ripe pears again). Persistent fruit aromas. An excellent, almost hedonistic Saumur bottled with fine grip and 14.5% alcohol.
Drink 2023 - 2035
Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate (October 2021)
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