Savennieres Wines
Savennières is one of France’s oldest and most interesting vine areas. Located 10 kilometres southwest of Angers on the northern bank of the Loire, this unsung appellation was once the toast of fashionable Parisian society and its wines were served in court under Louis XIV and Napoleon Bonaparte. The only permitted grape variety here is Chenin Blanc, which drives deep rootstock into mineral-rich, southern-facing slopes composed of schist, slate and mica. A mild microclimate also contributes to Savennières, uniqueness and strong sense of terroir. The wines themselves can be austere and challenging in youth but tend to mellow with age. Styles are diverse ranging from searingly dry to unctuously sweet. A second sub-appellation, the Coulée de Serrant, yields Savennières’ most famous wines made by biodynamic bigwig Nicolas Joly.
White