Belargus

Ivan Massonnat of Domaine Belargus is reclaiming Anjou’s place on the Loire Valley fine wine map with his spectacular, terroir-focused Chenin Blancs.

Located on the Coteau des Treilles slopes at the heart of Anjou Noir, Belargus was once the estate of winemaking legend Jo Pithon. Having meticulously restored the appellation’s fragmented vineyard plots into its historic monopole in the 1990s, Pithon pioneered the production of dry Chenin Blanc across stellar sites that were traditionally the preserve of France’s great sweet wines.

Purchased by wine obsessive Massonnat in 2018, the domaine now extends to a small parcel in Savennières, as well as a portion of the prized Quarts-de-Chaume micro-appellation – the only Grand Cru in the Loire Valley. An exemplar of biodiversity and biodynamics, the 24ha Belargus estate – still overseen by Pithon – is now at the forefront of regenerative viticulture.

With the assistance of winemaker Adrien Moreau (an alumnus of Louis Roederer, Harlan Estate, and Cheval Blanc), Massonnat produces an array of dry, single-plot cuvées inspired by the climats of Burgundy, as well as a tiny number of botrytised sweet wines in the best vintages. Vibrant, racy, and refined, they have uncommon approachability in youth, as well as significant potential for cellaring.

Fast becoming essential purchases among Chenin connoisseurs and receiving wide critical acclaim – Belargus won its first 100-point score from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate within three years – these bottles are future cult classics. We are thrilled to offer the latest releases from the domaine.

Dry wines

‘Anjou Noir’ 2021 (£36) / Magnum 2021 (£72)
Gastronomic ‘village-level’ Chenin from black schist (‘Noir’) soils

Savennières ‘Gaudrets’ 2020 (£55)
Suave and textural, this has massive ageing potential

Anjou ‘Ronceray’ 2021 (£58)
A blend of Quarts-de-Chaume plots – ultra-finessed with smoky minerality

Anjou ‘Rouères’ 2020 (£70)
From a 3ha plot on puddingstone and schist soils. Concentrated and silky

Anjou ‘Veau’ 2020 (£100)
From the west of Quarts-de-Chaume – spicy and tingling

Anjou ‘Bonnes Blanches’ 2019 (£118)
Perfumed with a salty mineral edge from its north-facing aspect

Anjou ‘Quarts’ 2019 (£118) / 2020 (£118)
Dense fruit and biting acids – produced in minuscule quantities

Savennières ‘Ruchères’ 2020 (£142)
Delicately scented and deliciously racy Savennières

Anjou ‘Treilles’ Monopole 2020 (£180)
From a south-facing, 3ha monopole. The epitome of elegance – outstanding!

Sweet wines

Coteaux du Layon ‘Layon’ 2020 (£50)
From three plots bordering Layon. Perfectly ripe fruit balanced by zesty acidity

Quarts-de-Chaume Grand Cru ‘Rouères’ 2018 Half (£90)
From the heart of the Grand Cru – a masterwork of balance and complexity

Quarts-de-Chaume Grand Cru ‘Ultra’ 2018 Half (£240)
Super concentrated, yet elegant and beautifully balanced. The ultimate decadence!

Please note that this offer has expired, however you can check current stocks via the search bar or shop@shrinetothevine.co.uk