Brendan Stater West, Saumur Blanc, Anjou-Saumur, Loire, France, 2023

Producer Profile

Originally, from Oregon in the US, Brendan was not born into a winemaking family, just a family that “loves and drinks wine every day” and never thought that he would end up working in the industry.

However, on arrival in France to teach English in 2007 he caught the wine bug and has not looked back since. Beginning his new career by joining the team at Domaine Guiberteau, Brendan still works there today and at the beginning of 2015, Romain proposed that Brendan could lease a 1ha plot of young Chenin vines in Bizay, next to the Clos de Guichaux, to begin producing his own wines. This first vintage was bottled at the end of March 2017, having spent 12 months in neutral oak barrels (225L, 300L and 400L), followed by 6 months in stainless steel tank. Brendan seeks the same purity and precision in his wines as Domaine Guiberteau, with a ‘transparent’ reflection of the specific terroir. This estate follows environmentally conscientious philosophies, with discipline and rigour aimed at a low-interventionist approach.

Viticulture

Sourced from a highly regarded vineyard parcel in Brézé, originally planted in the 1960s. These old vines, rooted in limestone-rich soils, yield fruit of remarkable concentration and mineral character. The vineyard is farmed with a thoughtful, low-intervention approach, preserving the site's unique expression and natural balance.

Winemaking

Fermentation is carried out in stainless steel to capture purity and precision. The wine is then aged for 12 months in seasoned oak barrels, adding texture without imposing oak influence. A further six months of aging in steel tanks refines and sharpens the wine’s profile. Malolactic fermentation is intentionally blocked to preserve the wine’s natural acidity and structure, resulting in a bright, linear style.

Tasting Note

This Chenin Blanc opens with a striking nose of flint and cracked white pepper, underpinned by a deep seam of crushed chalk. On the palate, it is both poised and energetic, revealing layers of ruby grapefruit, dried citrus peel, and clove, with a subtle creaminess woven through its mineral core. The acidity is sharp and purposeful, lending tension and clarity, while the finish lingers with spice and a saline edge. A wine of finesse and quiet power, with the potential to evolve beautifully over time.

Food Matching

Roasted monkfish with fennel and preserved lemon, comté aged 18+ months.