On sale through Saturday, February 26. The 2020 Filliatreau Saumur Blanc is one of the most captivating, vibrant, and delicious whites I've tasted this year. It's just got that "je ne sais quoi" quality that all great wines have.
2020 Domaine Filliatreau 'Lena' Saumur Blanc
Stunning, full, rich, and lively Loire Valley Chenin Blanc!
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When Loire Valley Chenin is done well, it's truly a thing of beauty, and the 2020 vintage was excellent for producers throughout the region. There was a time when Saumur was considered a "second class citizen" to Vouvray and Savennieres, but those days are long gone. These days, some of the Loire's most exciting wines come from this AOC. When you taste this, you'll know what I'm talking about.
Domaine Filliatreau is located just outside of Saumur, Asheville's sister city in France. Though known more for their Cabernet Franc-based reds, I was blown away by their new Saumur Blanc when I tasted it last week. 100% Chenin Blanc from certified organic vineyards planted in the famed rocky, chalky soils of Saumur, this is dry, decidedly rich, and overtly delicious.
Despite being fermented entirely in stainless steel, this is a broad, rich, and dramatic white wine. Vintage 2020 was hot and dry, and producers reported an early and stress-free harvest. A prototype version of Loire Valley Chenin Blanc, this one bursts with notes of green apple, pear, peach skin, chalk, wet stone, and green herbs. Despite possessing plenty of body and texture, this one zings with classic Chenin acidity.
This is truly delightful and a great value as well. I plan to enjoy this with some flaky white fish in a lemon beurre blanc sauce in the very near future. I recommend you go the same, and I also recommend you take advantage of the volume pricing. Get a few bottles to enjoy now, but lay a few down for 3-5 years. Yep, Chenin of this quality level ages quite well!
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Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville