Brendan Stater West, Saumur Blanc, Anjou-Saumur, Loire, France, 2024

Producer Profile

Originally, from Oregon in the USA, Brendan was born into a family whose knowledge of wine extended simply to “drinking it every day” and he never imagined he would end up working in the industry.

However, following a trip to France in 2007 to teach English, he caught the wine bug and has not looked back since. Brendan began his new career by joining the team at Domaine Guiberteau, where he still works. But Romain Guiberteau suggested that he lease a 1ha plot of young Chenin vines in Bizay, next to the Clos de Guichaux, where he could produce his own wines. The first vintage was bottled at the end of March 2017, having spent 12 months in neutral oak barrels, followed by six months in stainless steel tanks. Brendan seeks the same purity and precision in his wines as does Domaine Guiberteau, aiming for a ‘transparent’ reflection of the terroir. The estate follows environmentally conscious principles, with discipline and rigour in the vineyard and a low-interventionist approach to winemaking.

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.