Marc Plouzeau, “Vive Le Chenin!” 2022

From the mid-Loire, we have the more rarely seen Chinon Blanc aka Chenin Blanc from the village of Chinon (moreso known for Cabernet Franc produced under the name ‘Chinon’) – confusing! But fear not – the wine is clear and pretty, precise and fresh. From Marc Plouzeau, who took over for his father at Château de La Bonnelière, a very old Château in Chinon owned by the Plouzeau family since 1846 and not producing wine until the 1970s, this is a delicious entry level Chenin that carries a touch more body and fruit than an Anjou rendition but not as much as, say, Vouvray. It is a categorical example of a Loire Chenin – i.e. it really feels properly “middle,” composed of elements seen in Chenins grown all over the famous old valley. The vines here were planted about 30 years ago and have been organically cultivated for the entirety of their lives. Clay over limestone soils on the left bank of the Vienne (a tributary of the Loire). An everyday Chenin, as flexible and friendly as they come. Stainless steel for spontaneous fermentation and aging, unfined, unfiltered, minimal SO2.