Touraine Chenonceaux 2024

ProducerClos Roussely (Vincent Roussely)RegionTouraine-Chenonceaux, Loire Valley, FranceGrapeSauvignon BlancFarmingCertified organic; biodynamic practicesVintage2024CertifierDemeter (estate certification)

AbstractCitrus, ripe, textured
Old-vine Sauvignon from Chenonceaux, with more depth and concentration than the younger-vine L'Escale.

Winemaker
Vincent Roussely returned to his family's property at Angé in 2001, becoming the fourth generation to make wine there. The estate is certified organic, with horses used in some of the older vineyards.

The cellar is dug into tuffeau beneath the vines. Its steady temperature allows slow, spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tanks fitted into the rock. Sauvignon Blanc dominates the vineyards, with younger parcels for L'Escale and much older vines for Chenonceaux.

Wine
Chenonceaux is Sauvignon Blanc from an old, densely planted vineyard, with vines around eighty years old. Clay, limestone and flint give a different source of fruit from L'Escale's younger parcels.

Riper citrus and a broader middle make it the more substantial of the two wines. Concentration and savoury texture are held together by Sauvignon's acidity.

Origin
The old Sauvignon vineyard lies in Touraine-Chenonceaux beside the Cher. Clay-limestone soils include pockets of flint; dense planting and old vines distinguish the fruit used for this bottling.