Brendan Stater West, Saumur Blanc, L'Ardillon, Loire, France, 2022

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 grapes for this wine are sourced from a single south/southwest-facing parcel in L'Ardillon, Brézé, planted in the 1960s. The topsoil is approximately 80 cm deep, composed of clay-loam over Turonian limestone, providing ideal conditions for quality Chenin Blanc. The vineyard is farmed sustainably and organically, with minimal intervention to preserve the site's unique expression.

Winemaking

The grapes are sorted directly in the vineyard and whole-cluster pressed. Fermentation occurs naturally in stainless steel to capture the purity of the fruit. The wine is aged for 24 months in used 225-litre barrels, followed by an additional 6 months in stainless steel tanks to refine its profile. Malolactic fermentation is intentionally blocked to preserve the wine's natural acidity and structure.

Tasting Note

A striking expression of Chenin Blanc. It opens with a 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, or aged Comté cheese.