Belargus 'Rouères' 2020

Domaine Belargus is redefining the historic vineyards of the Loire Valley with extraordinary, terroir-focused Chenin Blanc. With 2018 as its inaugural vintage and the entire estate on the cusp of achieving Grand Cru status, these are the wines of a soon-to-be cult producer.

Located on the spectacular Coteau des Treilles slopes at the heart of Anjou Noir, Belargus was once the estate of Jo Pithon. A winemaking legend and champion of organic farming, Pithon pioneered the production of dry Chenin Blanc across exceptional, but challenging vineyards usually devoted to some of France’s great sweet wines.

Purchased by wine enthusiast Ivan Massonnat in 2018, the estate 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 estate – still overseen by Pithon – is at the forefront of regenerative viticulture.

Inspired by the climats of Burgundy, Belargus produces a range of single-plot and blended cuvées, as well as a tiny amount of botrytised sweet wines in the best vintages. Vibrant, racy, and refined, they have uncommon approachability in youth, as well as significant potential for ageing.

Still in its infancy, the domaine has already received wide critical acclaim and is being aligned with other celebrated Anjou producers Richard Leroy and Nicolas Joly. Belargus is certain to become a reference for top Chenin Blanc.

Dry, late-harvest Chenin from the Quarts de Chaume appellation: intense and silky, with firm, structured tannins and seemingly unending length. Decades of ageing potential.