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

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

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.