Savennières

This small appellation is celebrated for its distinctive white wines, the best of which have the ability to age and improve for decades.

 

Vineyard

Location: On the south side of Angers on the right bank of the Loire, this AOC includes two denominations: La Roche-aux-Moines and La Coulée-de-Serran

Surface Area: 145 hectares / 358 acres

• Savennières Roche-aux-Monies: 33 hectares / 81 acres
• Savennières-Coulée-de-Serrant: 7 hectares / 17 acres

Soil: Savennières lies on exposed slopes close to the Loire. Its shallow soil comprises sandstone schist, volcanic rock (rhyolite) and aeolain sand.

Climate: As many storms seem to strike the left bank of Loire, this region is often protected from storms, especially near harvest. Its maritime/oceanic climate supports production of dry white wines.

 

Wine

Annual Production:

• Approximately 4,500 hl / 118,877 gallons

Yield:

• 50 hl/ha (translate to gallons/acres?)
• 40 hl/ha demi-sec and sparkling wines (made in very small quantities)

Grape Varieties:

• Chenin Blanc

Growing/Production Practices: Density 4,500-5,000 vines/hectare. Double 2×3 eye Guyot pruning of 3×2 eye Gobelet pruning are used. Grapes are hand harvested, typically with successive sorting of grapes that have fully matured.

 

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep straw yellow with green reflections, developing into gold with maturity
• Nose: Intense, with notes of pineapple, pear, hone and minerals.
• Flavors: Full-bodied with a mineral freshness. Nuttiness, candied fruit and spice often emerge with maturity.

 

Food Pairings

• As a medium-to-full bodied, dry white wine, Savennières complements a wide variety of dishes:
• Chicken with Red Thai Curry
• Grilled sea bass in a beurre blanc.
• Zucchini Blossom Fritters