2018 Domaine Belargus Anjou ‘Treilles’ Monopole
Region: Rochefort, Anjou, Loire Valley, France
Grape: 100% Chenin Blanc
Vineyard Practice: Certified organic, practising biodynamic
Culinary Suggestions: Grilled Lobster, Roast Pork, Soft Cheeses, Turkey
Alcohol: 14%
Bottle Size: 750 ml
This elegant Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley is a future classic, set apart by its sumptuous combination of silky textures and juicy fruits. This wine, with its persistent finish and rich mineral core, is perfect for a long, slow maturation that will show off its best qualities over many years.
Origins
Domaine Belargus introduces revolutionary dynamism to the Loire Valley under the guidance of Ivan Massonnat, a wine enthusiast who also has interests in Philippe Pacalet in Burgundy. The acquisition of Jo Pithon's esteemed estate and additional key vineyards has expanded the domaine to encompass 24 hectares of the prime Anjou Noir terroir, including celebrated plots like "Coteau des Treilles," "Clos des Ruchères," and "Les Quarts." This newcomer has quickly garnered attention for producing wines of Grand Cru calibre.
The estate's commitment to organic and biodynamic methodologies, pioneered by Jo Pithon and Guy Bossard, has established it as a leader in the revitalisation of some of France's most valued vineyards. The Coteau des Treilles, a particularly steep 2.72-hectare plot in Rochefort with slopes ranging from 30% to 70%, was reinvigorated by Pithon in the late 1990s. Situated on magmatic rocks from the Armorican Massif, this monopole yields Chenin of exceptional quality, deeply reflective of its intricate geological structure.
Nestled within the Pont-Barré Natural Reserve, the Coteau des Treilles benefits from a protected status that preserves its rich biodiversity and ensures no chemical interference. This careful stewardship supports not only a remarkable vineyard but also aids in conserving the local ecosystem, thanks to the collaboration of various community stakeholders.
Positioned along the Layon River and rooted in soils of spilites, schists, sandstone, and puddingstones, the vineyard imparts a distinctive minerality and complexity to its wines. After three years of barrel ageing, the 2018 vintage stands as a testament to the terroir’s distinctive traits, offering a cuvée that showcases profound aromatic intensity and mineral depth rather than sheer richness. It achieves an exquisite equilibrium of tension, balance, and energy, with significant potential for ageing.
Cork Tasting Notes
The 2018 ‘Treilles’ Monopole greets the senses with remarkable sophistication and clarity, featuring a prominent display of lush yellow fruits intermingled with notes of creamy brioche, complemented by subtle undertones of tangerine peel and elderflower. The wine's mineral aspect is strikingly profound, rendering it a masterpiece of viticulture.
On tasting, the wine is lively and crisp, leading to a pronounced sensation of stony minerals that transition into lush layers of acacia blossoms, mellow caramel, and zesty candied grapefruit peel. The extensive and rich finish is underscored by a robust salinity that enlivens the palate, ensuring a lasting and impactful finish.
Critic Review
97 points
Stephan Reinhardt, The Wine Advocate
I remember well my first visit here 17 years ago when I was deeply impressed by the vineyard and Jo's initiative to bring this grand cru back on the map of the Loire's finest vineyards. I have always adored Jo's wines from this cru, but the Belargus 2018 Anjou Coteau des Treilles seems to top everything that I have known from here. Intensely golden-yellow in color, the wine opens with a pure, refined and elegant yet intense and flinty nose of perfectly ripe yet fine fruits that intermingle with the schistous terroir as well as pastry and lemon/orange-scented fruit aromas. Filigreed and intense on the refined and elegant palate, this is a full-bodied, dense, intense and tensioned yet highly finessed and elegant Chenin with elderflower and orange blossom flavors at this early stage and a delicate tannin structure. The wine is rich and intense but always stimulating, with great finesse and elegance as well as long and juicy, wonderfully concentrated fruit. Everything is in great harmony, and any serious wine lover should at least taste this beauty.
~ Drink 2030 - 2080