Chenin blanc AOC 2021

In 2006, Anne Claude and her husband Christian met the owners of the Clau de Nell vineyard. The domain in Ambillou-Château on the Loire had great potential with clay, flint and tufa soils and magnificent old vines with an average age of 60 years, some even over a hundred years old. The eight hectares of the domaine were planted with Cabernet Franc, Grolleau and Cabernet Sauvignon. The domaine was bought by Leflaives in 2008 and the vineyards were gradually expanded. Cellar master Sylvain Potin cultivates the estate according to biodynamic guidelines. All three of Anne-Claude Leflaives' children work on the estate.

The Chenin blanc for this white wine was planted in 2012 and the first vintage was released in 2015. Grown on a silty-clayey terroir of pebbles and red flint on a tufa base. The vines are treated according to the lunar calendar with biodynamic preparations, the yield is approx. 28hl/ha. Hand-picked, gentle submersion of the skins and subsequent spontaneous fermentation in 228 litre Burgundy barrels in fifth vatting. Tres Troglodyte!

Old gold with brilliant reflections.

The nose of the 2021 Chenin blanc from Clau de Nell is picture-book oxidised yellow pear, some wet wool, beeswax and lots of quince. Fuelled by youthful fruit, the aromas are balanced yet typical of the variety, the ageing in used wood is recognisable but by no means dominant. There are also clear mineral notes and a good flake of salted butter on the fresh popcorn. Balanced and calm, it flows calmly into the goblet of the inclined drinker.

The juvenile, juicy fruit is driven by the shimmering acidity that stretches across the palate like an electric eel. In a perfect balance of extract, maturity, fruit and tannin, the yellow fruit oscillates from saline impressions to a tannic contour at the edge of the tongue and back again. A highly energetic, vital wine with good vibration and enormous potential for enjoyment.