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.
Cork Tasting Notes
Because of its distinct location and the subsoil it is rooted in, the 2019 "Rucheres" stands out with depth and complexity. With the impact of the terroir of purple schists and a two-year barrel ageing, "Rucheres" has a rich palate with a unique saline endurance.
This wine has a remarkable perfume because of its complex tapestry of fragrant notes on the nose, which include gentian, honeysuckle, jasmine, and beeswax. This wine is a profound reflection of the Savennières appellation, with its rich and complex palate complemented by a variety of elegant fragrances.
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