Chateau D'Epire 2024 Savennieres, Loire Valley

I have never been able to detect Chenin Blanc, the variety, in d’Epirés legendary Savennières, but that’s what makes up this minerally, tangy, fresh-tasting, dry white wine.  It’s showing well at this young age, showing what Kermit Lynch rep Kate McWilliams described as the character of an “apple granita”.  One of the most memorable food accompaniments I’ve ever had was with d’Epiré alongside some smoked barracuda, courtesy of Carl and Pam Taylor.

"The Loire Valley’s noblest white grape, Chenin Blanc, finds one of its most sublime expressions in Savennières, particularly at the venerated Château d’Épiré. Located at the highest point in the appellation and looking down on the Loire River, the Bizard family’s vines are considered by most locals to be among the grands crus of Savennières. This cuvée is a blend of two lieux-dits, Le Parc and La Croix Picot, whose southern exposures bring full ripeness to the grapes, while their proximity to the Loire keeps temperatures moderate. Savennières’s distinctive soils of schist, sandstone, and shale, meanwhile, imbue their Chenin with an irresistible tension and chiseled frame.  Evoking honey, Meyer lemon, and spring flowers, this blanc would pair beautifully with many preparations of seafood. A few Decembers ago, Georgeanne Brennan proposed a festive pairing of lobster salad on brioche toasts, but you can’t go wrong with your favorite summer lobster roll. You might also try it with yellowtail sashimi or crispy fish tacos."--Tom Wolf, Kermit Lynch Imports