Chateau de Plaisance Anjou Blanc 'Ronceray'

"Vanessa Cherruau is a steward of one of the Loire’s great terroirs – Chaume. After finishing wine school in Angers, she worked throughout the wine industry for 12 years before befriending the Rochais family on the Chaume hill, who owned Chateau de Plaisance (more a farmhouse than Chateau) and its 25 ha of vines growing on the schist bedrock of the appellation. With plans to sell the historic estate to the local cooperative, Vanessa convinced the family to sell to her instead, allowing her to continue the fine legacy they left, while forging a new path for Loire greatness."-Skurnik Wines & Spirits

Her Anjou Blanc 'Ronceray' is in reference to the name given by Chaume growers for dry whites that come out of Chaume and Quarts de Chaume. This bottling comes from vines that are over 45 years old, goes through partial malo, and is aged in 70% stainless steel and 30% foudre for 15 months. A more dialed in version of her entry level Chenin, this is superbly high-toned, elegant, and mineral-driven, with a crystalline cut. Green apple, crunchy melon, and lemon juice intermingle with sea salt, green herb, ground ginger, and brine. This is why the Loire Valley is seen as the best place in the world to grow Chenin Blanc by so many, and why Vanessa is one of our favorites to do it.