Domaine Belargus 2020 Anjou Blanc "Roueres", Loire Valley

Pure Chenin Blanc from one of the three original decreed parcels of the Quarts de Chaume, Rouères. This parcel is southeast-facing and just a few meters north of the Layon river. This parcel produces powerful, dense, and firmly structured dry Quarts de Chaume. Aged for 18 months in barrel before bottling.

"Les Rouères" is a 3-hectare plot locaed in the village of Rochefort-sur-Loire. It forms the Eastern part of a block of three historic parcels, ideally situated at the exit of the hamlet of Chaume. The thin and warm soils rest on puddingstones (sand concretions and rolled gravel), accumulating heat during the day and releasing it during the night.

This powerful terroir brings roundness and a solar power to the wines. A fine bitterness, signature of this terroir, brings complexity and length on the palate.

"This is one of the most spectacular new entries in the history of The Wine Advocate, and it makes the Loire, especially its tributary, Layon, one of the most fascinating terroirs in the Anjou region. Domaine Belargus is the name that should soon populate the world's finest wine lists, especially since the prices are—still?—affordable."--Stephen Reinhardt, RobertParker.com

"Delicate notes of honey and a touch of butter, along with a hint of wood within a vibrant texture. The long, elegant finish is currently a little closed, so needs more time or should be decanted before drinking. The southeast-facing Rouères parcel is 2.98ha and was planted between 1979 and 1985 in loamy clays over puddingstone. The parcel was picked on 14 September with a yield of 25 hl/ha. Fermented and aged in demi-muids and barriques averaging five years old for 14 months and bottled in November 2021.  Drink 2025 - 2060"--Jim Budd, Decanter.com