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Chenin Blanc from the Loire
![Chenin Blanc from the Loire Chenin Blanc from the Loire](jpg/1834d18265ebcd898f4e7d16d26cc19b-2.jpg)
Exposed limestone cliffs are a singular feature of this part of the Loire, and walking past one of their many caves you can feel a blast of cold air even during summer. The cliffs are a natural wine fridge and were used to hide precious vintages during World War II. Soil compositions vary, but the grape's defining feature is a racy backbone of acidity that holds even the riper, plumper styles together and pairs well with food.
From the intense wines of Savennières in the west, through the simpler Anjou appellation that also gives us decadent sweet wines, to the honeyed bottlings of the Vouvray and Montlouis regions and the diverse expanse of the Touraine province in the east, there is maybe no better example in the world of the range of one grape. We're trying to keep the bottle price under $40 here, and there is still so much value in the Loire (despite the recent tariffs on many European wines).
If you want to try something really crazy, seek out Clos de la Coulée Serrant. Every vintage is different, and many are an event. For pure class, look for Domaine Huet with their three distinct vineyards and varying levels of sweetness. You might cry at the beauty.
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2018 Les Terres Blanches Les 3 Poiriers
By Matt PenmanBass
About the Wine
![](jpg/c0e4eb85505d488f10424dfda7bfd5d1.jpg)
Details
Region: AnjouVarietal: Chenin Blanc
Importer: Fruits of the Vine
Price: $21
What I'm Listening to Now
Antonio Carlos Jobim: Urubu (Warner Bros, 1976)
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2018 Le Rouchefer Anjou Blanc
By Baptiste TrotignonPiano
About the Wine
![](jpg/2f1d060b0cca37b2e304094c67c46c8a.jpg)
His cuvée "Le rouchefer" is typical of this grape, which is still better after a few years. The nose invites you to a delicious feeling, very supple but with this "earth smell" that I love. When you drink it it has this perfect balance between a light acidity (much less than his brothers from Muscadet area) but with something fatty that fulfills you and makes you feel good! It's not a sweet wine (like Coteaux du Layon) but has a brilliant balance between sweetness and dryness typical of many natural white wines. Enjoy!
Details
Region: Anjou, FranceVarietal: Chenin
Importer: Domaine Mosse
Price: $36
What I'm Listening to Now
Egberto Gismonti: Árvore (ECM Records, 1991)
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2018 Nicolas Joly Les Vieux Clos
By Kristin KorbBass & Vocals
About the Wine
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I feel the same way about the 2018 Les Vieux Clos from Nicolas Joly. I had to revisit this wine a second time, but I'm so glad I did. This golden, honey-hued gem is made from late harvest grapes, but it is no dessert wine. It is a round, intense nectar with tropical undertones and an acidic bright finish. It also clocks in at 15% alcohol, so it demands your attention.
Decant this baby so you can savor all it has to offer. The finish lingers on the tongue like a great song lingers in your ears after an amazing performance. Buy several bottles and revisit it over time.
Details
Region: Savennières, Loire, FranceVarietal: 100% Chenin Blanc
Price: $45
What I'm Listening to Now
Betty Carter: Feed the Fire (Verve, 1994)
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2017 Deboutbertin Achillée
By Jochen RueckertDrums
About the Wine
![](jpg/2a84eae4532a92eb73c778d2a81fd159.jpg)
Details
Region: AnjouVarietal: Chenin blanc
Importer: Fruit of the Vines
Price: $21
What I'm Listening to Now
Crazy Homeless People: Screaming Outside My First Floor Window (In Harlem, 2021)
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NV Les Vignes Herbel La Pointe
By Damion ReidDrums
About the Wine
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"La Pointe" is a multi-vintage blend of Chenin Blanc from years 2016 and 2017 with no added sulfur. Chenin Blanc wines from Herbel generally have citrus notes and are full bodied. This unique blend of two vintages transcends those tasting notes, while maintaining a familiar Herbel character with a dry finish. The dryness of this wine is met with a more complex mineral and stone subtly that makes this cuvee more easy to consume than anticipated. A wine that will keep Chenin Blanc lovers wanting to explore this wine, as it transforms over a day if allowed. La Pointe is a worthwhile journey that won't disappoint accompanying food or consumed just by the glass.
Details
Region: Loire ValleyVarietal: Chenin Blanc
Importer: FiFi and Steven Graf
Price: $57
What I'm Listening to Now
Greg Osby: Art Forum (Blue Note, 1996)
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Jazz Uncorked
Matt Penman
Chenin Blanc
Loire, France
Loire Valley
2018 Les Terres Blanches Les 3 Poiriers
NV Les Vignes Herbel La Point
2018 Le Rouchefer Anjou Blanc
Baptiste Trotignon
Damion Reid
2017 Deboutbertin Achille
Jochen Rueckert
2018 Nicolas Joly Les Vieux Clos
Kristin Korb
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