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Savennieres is a small appellation of 150 hectares. The only grape allowed is Chenin Blanc. One of the most prestigious estates in the appellation is Chateau de Chamboureau which dates back to the 15th century and is owned by Pierre Soulez, President of the Savennieres Winegrowers Association. The property has been in his family for over 100 years and has a winegrowing history of 400 years.
There are only two Crus Classe in Savennieres. One is the monopole vineyard La Coulee de Serrant. The other is Roches aux Moines, a 15 hectares vineyard on a large dome of flinty clay and shale with blue volcanic rock facing S/SW overlooking the Loire River. Pierre picks these grapes by hand over the course of several weeks, each time only taking clusters at their peak ripeness. There is always between 20-30% of botrytis in the wine.
Both of Pierre's dry Savennieres are fermented and aged in a way that results in the style of wine made in the "old days", hence the term "Cuvee d'Avant". Chenin Blanc is a grape that benefits from oxygenation and older Savennieres were always made with this in mind. This is why Pierre ferments his Roches aux Moines in barrel and performs frequent battonage. The wine is left in contact with its fine lees for extended periods. The classic Savennieres is fermented in large oak vats and left on lees for two months. Pierre bottle ages the wines until he deems them ready to drink.
The winery does not have a website.
Wines
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