October's Wine of the Month – Mary Taylor-Pascal Biotteau 2024 Anjou Blanc, Loire Valley

Mary Taylor is a talented negociant based in the east.  Having worked for some of the most prestigious wine companies in Manhattan she courageously took it upon herself to seek out accomplished growers from France to Portugal, Spain and Italy, making superb, correct, clean and true wines from all over Europe and bottle them under her own label.  The amazing thing for us is that she can do this and still present her wines at such affordable prices.  This is one of those wines.

Anjou is best known for its famous pears and a fruity-styled rosé that has all but disappeared in American shelves, but relatively recently there has been a surge in interest in the Chenin Blancs of the region which range in style from bone-dry and minerally to gently fruity to super sweet elixirs.  

If you truly want to understand the soul of French wine, I would suggest beginning with Mary Taylor’s Anjou Blanc as a standard for varietal correctness, and about as versatile a food wine as white wine gets.  In addition, this shimmering Chenin Blanc is certainly a leading candidate for Best Value in our store. 

Pascal Biotteau is the 4^th generation to work the family vineyards.  With an average vine age of 25 years grown in an area that separates the volcanic schist soils of the east and the chalky limestone soils of the west, it offers perfectly balanced Chenin Blanc.  The texture is near-luxurious, floating in the mouth with a regal presence.  Not sweet, but not excessively acidic either.  You gain a new appreciation for the nobility of Loire Chenin Blanc.  Turkey, ham, sausages, goat cheeses—take your pick.