Château de Plaisance, Anjou Blanc, Rochefort-Sur-Loire, Anjou-Saumur, Loire, France, 2022

Producer Profile

The Château de Plaisance is located on the ‘Butte de Chaume’, one of the most beautiful and only 1er Cru classified terroir of Anjou!

The vineyard has been run organically and biodynamically since 1995. Though the soils of Chaume are known for their beautiful sweet wines, Guy Rochais was the first to create a dry white: the famous 'Chaume sec de Guy Rochais'. His creation in fact earned him a penalty fine for non-compliance with the AOC body, hence he’s since renamed this dry white 'The insolent'. After 60 years at the helm of Château de Plaisance, the Rochais family have now sold the estate to a young winemaker, Vanessa Cherruau. Born and trained in Angers, she has learnt her winemaking skills both in France and abroad. Vanessa’s first visit to the terroirs of the Château de Plaisance was literally ‘love at first sight’ and in 2019 her very first vintage at Chateau de Plaisance was released!

Viticulture

Sourced from vineyards located on the renowned Butte de Chaume, a premier cru terroir in the Anjou region, the vines benefit from exceptional limestone-rich soils and a favorable microclimate. The estate practices organic and biodynamic farming, emphasising soil health and biodiversity since the mid-1990s. Vineyard work includes meticulous manual pruning, leaf thinning, and cover cropping to promote balanced vine growth and optimal fruit ripeness. Sustainable initiatives such as agroforestry and habitat enhancement underscore the commitment to environmentally respectful viticulture.

Winemaking

Carefully hand-harvested into crates to preserve grape integrity, the fruit undergoes a gentle, slow cold pressing. Fermentation takes place naturally with native yeasts, enhancing the wine’s authentic expression. A partial malolactic fermentation adds softness and complexity, followed by 11 months of patient aging in stainless steel vats to maintain vibrant freshness and clarity.

Tasting Note

A luminous pale gold color with delicate green highlights. The nose is expressive and fresh, unveiling aromas of white peach, citrus zest, and subtle floral notes, complemented by hints of minerality and a touch of honeyed complexity. On the palate, it offers vibrant acidity balanced by a rounded texture, delivering flavours of ripe orchard fruit, crisp green apple, and a refined mineral backbone. The finish is elegant and persistent, leaving a refreshing, slightly saline impression.

Food Matching

Home made hummus, an arugula salad with sundried tomatoes, linguine with artichokes.