2022 Saumur, Blanc, La Peyanne, Domaine Théo Blet, Loire
Critics reviews
Only the second vintage from this new, young producer, this easy and fresh, citrussy Chenin is as bright as a button, with a featherlight finesse that is impressive in the warm 2022 vintage. Graceful and stylish, with a silky texture, it finishes with a lightly salty, grapefruit and clementine tang. Highly drinkable and wholly enjoyable short- to mid-term drinking.
Drink 2024 - 2030
Beverley Blanning MW, Decanter (January 2024)
About this WINE
Domaine Théo Blet
Théo is the fourth-generation Saumur winemaker of the family and is slowly taking vines over from his father. Théo is a winemaker and not a vine farmer like his father. He is gradually taking the reins of key parcels from the 16-hectare family Domaine to make his own labeled cuvees.
With a deep respect for the land, Théo started the organic conversion two years ago on the plots from which he is making his wines. Everything is picked by hand. His 100% Chenin cuvee, La Peyanne, is his flagship wine and a lieu-dit in the commune de Courchamps. Only 3500 bottles were produced in 2022. Théo also decided to make a 100% Cabernet Franc cuvee called Le Corbin situated in the commune of Ulmes. Only 1500 bottles were produced in 2022.
Today, La Peyanne and Le Corbin represent a total of 1 hectare of production, while the rest of the grapes continue to be sent to the local cooperative with whom his father has been working for years. The idea is to expand the production area for Théo's own Domaine label in the coming years. He states his challenge is re-establishing wine production across the estate to showcase a heritage of several generations. With only a couple of vintages under his belt, he is already making noise in the Valley as a young, dynamic grower with big projects in mind. One to closely watch in the coming years!
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
Something that sprung to mind immediately with this wine was sweet maple pecan pastries; the nose is so bright, showcasing red apple, orange and honey. The palate is dry, full-bodied, and well-rounded. In this cooler vintage, its undeniable appeal lies in its refreshing acidity and the distinctive tension of its phenolics. Delicious!
Drink now - 2032
Joshua Friend, Senior Account Manager, Berry Bros. & Rudd (November 2023)
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