From: Loire Valley, France
Varietal: Chenin Blanc
One of the oldest and most celebrated domaines in Savennières, Chateau d’Épiré is rich in history. Savennières is situated just southwest of Angers, on the north bank of the Loire River. Vines have been cultivated there since the time of the Romans. The domaine itself has been in the Bizard family continuously since the 17th century. The most recent owners and caretakers of the land are Monsieur and Madame Luc Bizard. They own eleven hectares, nine of which are entirely dedicated to the cultivation Chenin Blanc. The château is exquisite, but the pièce de résistance is their winery, formerly a Romanesque chapel, which is from the 12th century. Truly a blessed wine!
As part of the Kermit Lynch portfolio, Épiré started with Kermit in the 1970s, through thick and thin, changing fashions and tastes. The Bizard family has cultivated Chenin, known locally as Pineau de la Loire or just Pineau, for six generations, creating timeless wines from this schist and sandstone terroir adjacent to the Loire. Savennières produces a fascinating expression of Pineau, with lively acidity and pronounced minerality in youth before developing a striking range of aromas with age. This bottling from Épiré is a lovely young Savennières to enjoy now, fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks.
Tasting Notes: Notes of fresh exotic fruit and a round mouthfeel leading to a stony, mouthwatering finish. Floral notes and lip-smacking acidity make this a wonderful wine to pair with food.
Pairing: Fish cooked in a brown butter sauce would be heavenly alongside this beauty of a wine.
