DOMAINE AUX MONIES SAVENNIÉRES 2022 VINTAGE RELEASE

Founded by the visionary Monique Laroche in 1981, and now elegantly steered by her daughter Tessa, Domaine Aux Moines shines brightly in the heart of Savennières. Embracing organic practices since 2006, Tessa is now guiding the estate towards the holistic realm of biodynamic agriculture, enriching their legacy with every vintage.

From the estate's ancient vines springs the illustrious Roche aux Moines, one of two distinguished whites Domaine Aux Moines crafts each year. The grapes, hand-harvested from vines averaging 45 years of age, undergo meticulous sorting both in the vineyard and at the winery. Gentle pressing is vital to preserving the wine's vibrant freshness and aromatic integrity before fermentation unfolds in stainless steel. Post-fermentation, this particular vintage luxuriates for 18 months in seasoned oak, gracefully undergoing malolactic fermentation.

Upon pouring, the wine's deep yellow hue hints at its complexity. The bouquet is unmistakably Chenin Blanc, with intoxicating aromas of honeysuckle, yellow apple, lemon curd, and beeswax. On the palate, it truly dazzles—a lush, succulent experience balanced by a nervy acidity that electrifies the senses.
While this wine is a delight to drink now, patience will be rewarded. A few years of cellaring will elevate its profile, but true fans might hold out for a decade or two when it will transform into a golden, honeyed marvel—a veritable time capsule of the Loire Valley.

What Makes Savennières So Special?

Tucked just southwest of Angers in the Loire Valley, the Savennières village graces the Loire River banks. Here, three 'coulées'—small valleys—descend from the hillsides, offering an ideal southeastern aspect for the cherished Chenin Blanc vines. This appellation is a gem, covering a mere 100 hectares, with even smaller enclaves like La Coulée de Serrant and La Roche-aux-Moines, the birthplace of our featured wine.

The region's rocky schist soils are a defining characteristic, challenging the vines to delve deep for essential nutrients. This rigorous environment, optimal sunlight exposure and the river's moderating influence, fosters conditions perfect for developing noble rot. This, in turn, enhances both the sugar and phenolic intensity in the grapes. The naturally high acidity and rich texture of Chenin Blanc provide the ideal canvas for this unique terroir to shine.

Savennières' potential for crafting complex, exceptional wines gained broader recognition relatively late, attracting a wave of passionate winemakers since the 1970s. These pioneers each brought their own philosophies, experimenting with oak versus stainless steel aging, malolactic fermentation, and biodynamic practices. This diversity of approach makes it hard to find a bad wine in Savennières.

Each family here is dedicated to creating outstanding wines from the precious few vines they cultivate, making Savennières a haven for wine lovers seeking extraordinary expressions of Chenin Blanc.