Chateau de Fesles la Chapelle Anjou Blanc 2019

While Château de Bonnezeaux is renowned for its sweet Bonnezeaux wines, this dry Chenin Blanc offers something truly special. Though it may not have the extended aging potential of wines like Savennières, it boasts an opulent and generous profile, beautifully balanced by the signature acidity of Chenin Blanc. This makes it a delightful wine to enjoy right away.

The grapes for this Chenin Blanc are sourced primarily from the esteemed La Chapelle plot, located at the top of the slope near the château. Occasionally, in select vintages, grapes from the Bonnezeaux-designated vineyards are blended into the wine before botrytis forms, adding further complexity.

The winemaking process is meticulous: hand-picked grapes are pressed, settled, and fermented in a combination of vessels. About 50% of the wine is fermented in barrels, ranging from 400L to 1200L, including a portion (15%) made from acacia wood. The acacia is chosen for its wider grain, which promotes micro-oxygenation and helps soften Chenin’s natural phenolics. However, winemaker Pierre-Jean has been reducing the use of acacia due to the effects of global warming and riper harvests. The oak used is a blend of one-third new barrels, with the remainder being 2 to 3 years old. The wine spends 12 to 18 months aging in barrels.

The other 50% of the wine is vinified in stainless steel tanks, and the two components are blended after aging. Importantly, no malolactic fermentation is allowed, preserving the wine’s crisp and vibrant character.