2019 Domaine Belargus Savennières ‘Rucheres’

Region: Savennières, Anjou, Loire Valley, France

Grape: 100% Chenin Blanc

Vineyard Practice: Certified organic, practising biodynamic

Culinary Suggestions: Shellfish, Pork Chops, Soft Cheeses, South East Asian Cuisine

Alcohol: 14%

Bottle Size: 750 ml

Rich jasmine and wild rose bouquet and a profound, saline finish. Crafted from unique schist soils, this wine promises complexity and longevity, ideal for sophisticated palates seeking depth and enduring character.

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. Among these, "Clos des Ruchères" is particularly notable. Nestled at the start of the Côte des Forges near La Roche-aux-Moines, this monopole is situated on a hillside rich in purple schists, a rarity within the appellation. The vines thrive in a thin layer of soil, approximately twenty centimetres deep, over slate schists that are deeply fractured and crumbly, forming clays with a silky texture. The vine roots penetrate these slates to extract essential nutrients and minerals.

This meticulously tended steep plot yields a cuvée with a distinct identity, marked by intense mineral tension. Two years of barrel ageing not only enhance its length and aromatic complexity but also bolster its potential for significant maturation. The 2019 Savennières ‘Rucheres’ is a testament to the unique terroir and meticulous viticulture that define Domaine Belargus.

Critic Review

95 points

Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous Media 

The 2019 Ruchères is a compact and precise style. Carefully made, it has plenty of intrigue: layers of flavor here, from fruit and spice to oak-derived smoky bacon and salty characters. While relatively light in body, there's no doubting the concentration and power here (25hL/ha due to a harsh April frost). Lengthy and complex, this has a gourmand style that will keep you interested and wanting to discover more after every sip. It needs some time to come around and for the oak and reductive notes to settle, but this wine isn't designed for opening in the near future.

~ Drink 2024 - 2037