Anjou Blanc "Ronceray"

2018
Domaine Belargus
France
Loire

Pure Chenin Blanc from the ensemble of the property’s holdings in the Grand Cru of Quarts de Chaume, the terroir is a blend of both schist and pudding sandstone and is almost entirely sound facing over the Layon river. Aged in both barrel and vat for 18 months.

92 points
"Ronceray is the most important cuvée of the estate and extends over more than 4ha on clay, schist, sandstone and pudding-stone soils. Pear, spices, flowers, menthol, a mouthfeel of roundness but with remarkable vibrancy on the mid-palate and then a light-footed finish. A fresh, complex Anjou white that has rectitude and precision."
Yohan Castaing,
Decanter
January 2019
94 points
"The 2018 Anjou Ronceray assembles all the plots of the Domaine on the Quarts-de-Chaume rump. Its name refers to the abbey of the same name, owner of the Chaume vineyards since the 11th century, reports Ivan Massonat, who stresses the complex geology of the terroir that combines schists and pudding sandstone. The bouquet of the golden-yellow 2018 is noble, perfectly ripe and concentrated in its elegant stone fruit aromas that intermingle with precise and refreshing slate as well as lemony notes. Filigreed, finessed and perfectly round and intense on the palate, this is a gorgeous Chenin with intense fruit, lush fruit concentration, lots of extract, fine tannins but also finesse and balance. Grapefruit bitters on the finish. To me, this is a picture-book Anjou from Rochefort-sur-Loire, and it is characterized by richness, finesse and elegance. Irresistible. 13.5% alcohol. Tasted in June 2021."
Stephan Reinhardt,
Wine Advocate
July 8, 2021
92 points
"This seems subtle at first, with notes of candied ginger and persimmon, but the fruit and spice elements keep unravelling one after another, all backed by finely beaded acidity that lends definition and stretches out the long, fresh finish. Try now with food or cellar for a few more years. Best from 2022 through 2031. 1,504 cases made."
Aleks Zecevic,
Wine Spectator
2020

SKU/Code: 
DB3675-18
Product Line: 
Wine
White
Varietal: 
Chenin Blanc
Farming Type: 
Biodynamic