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

Producer Profile

Originally, from Oregon, Brendan Stater-West didn’t grow up in a winemaking family—just one that loved wine deeply.

Originally, from Oregon, Brendan Stater-West didn’t grow up in a winemaking family—just one that loved wine deeply. A move to France in 2007 to teach English unexpectedly ignited a passion that became a calling. He began working at the esteemed Domaine Guiberteau, where he still collaborates today, and in 2015 was offered the chance to lease a 1-hectare parcel of young Chenin Blanc in Bizay, neighboring the famed Clos de Guichaux. Brendan bottled his first vintage in 2017, crafting wines aged in neutral oak and stainless steel to preserve clarity and terroir expression. Inspired by Guiberteau’s precision and purity, his wines reflect a philosophy rooted in organic farming, minimal intervention, and disciplined winemaking—honest, transparent wines that speak clearly of place.

Viticulture

The vineyard at L’Ardillon, Brézé is a single south/southwest-facing plot where the soils are 80 cm deep clay-loam topsoil over Turonian limestone, the perfect site for quality Chenin. The vines, planted in the 1950's are farmed sustainably and organically.

Winemaking

Sorted at a sorting table directly in the vineyard, the whole clusters are fermented naturally in stainless steel and then aged in 225 litre barrels. Racked and aged for an additional 6 months in steel tanks.

Tasting Note

A rich wine, with grapefruit interwoven with clove and mineral notes, finishing with a hint of creaminess and some texture on the finish.

Food Matching

This wine's fresh, fruity character makes it a great aperitif, while its refreshing acidity and body work well well with oysters, pork as well as grilled vegetables.