Chenin blanc AOC 2021

Wine description for Chenin blanc AOC 2021 from Clau de Nell

Colour & Appearance

Luminous old gold with radiant reflections in the glass – a Chenin Blanc that announces its maturity and concentration visually from the outset.

Nose

Textbook varietal character: oxidised yellow pear, quince and beeswax dominate, accompanied by a hint of wet wool. The ageing in used oak integrates subtly, without overpowering. Mineral notes join the party, along with the seductive notion of salted butter on fresh popcorn – complex, balanced and full of character.

Palate

Here the true nature of this Loire Chenin reveals itself: A shimmering acidity stretches across the palate like an electric eel, driving the juicy yellow fruit ahead of it. The balance of extract, fruit and tannin is flawless – saline impressions alternate with tannin-defined contours on the tongue’s edge. A high-energy, vital wine with impressive tension and enormous drinking flow.

Finish

Long, mineral and carried by vibrant freshness. The acidity holds the fruit in perfect suspension until the very end.

Terroir & Origin

The vines are rooted in silty-clayey soil with pebbles and red flint on a tuff stone base in Ambillou-Château. This mineral-rich terroir shapes the wine fundamentally and gives it its characteristic tension.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Chenin Blanc from vines planted in 2012, farmed biodynamically according to the lunar calendar. Strict yield of just 28 hl/ha, hand-harvested, spontaneous fermentation in Burgundy barrels (228 litres, fifth fill). Cellarmaster Sylvain Potin works with minimal intervention – the result is an authentic, terroir-driven Chenin.

Food Pairing Suggestions

With pike dumplings on spinach with shellfish sauce, veal cutlets with sautéed chanterelles or roasted fennel with saffron and figs. The acidity structure and minerality make it the ideal companion for fish and light meats.

Special Features

The domaine was acquired in 2008 by the legendary Leflaive family – all three of Anne-Claude Leflaive’s children work on the estate today. A wine with Burgundian philosophy on the Loire, biodynamically certified and with impressive drinking potential.