Château de Plaisance, Anjou Blanc, Rochefort-Sur-Loire, Anjou-Saumur, Loire, France, 2024

Producer Profile

Located on the ‘Butte de Chaume’, one of the most beautiful and only 1er Cru classified terroirs of Anjou, this vineyard has been run organically and biodynamically since 1995.

Though the soils of Chaume are known for their delectable, sweet wines, Guy Rochais was the first to create a dry white: the famous ‘Chaume sec de Guy Rochais’. In fact, his creation earned him a penalty fine for non-compliance with the AOC body, causing him to re-christen it ‘The Insolent’. After 60 years at the helm of Château de Plaisance, the Rochais family have now sold the estate to young winemaker Vanessa Cherruau. Born and trained in Angers, she has learned 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

Château de Plaisance is situated on the "Butte de Chaume," one of the most renowned and sole 1er Cru classified terroirs of Anjou. This 25-hectare vineyard has been organically and biodynamically farmed since 1995. While Chaume soils are celebrated for their exquisite, sweet wines, Guy Rochais pioneered the production of a dry white: the renowned "Chaume sec de Guy Rochais." His innovative creation, in fact, led to a penalty fine for non-compliance with the AOC regulations, resulting in its subsequent renaming as "The Insolent." After six decades at the helm of Château de Plaisance, the Rochais family has transferred ownership to a young dynamic winemaker, Vanessa Cherruau. Born and trained in Angers, she has honed her winemaking skills both domestically and internationally. Vanessa's initial visit to the Château de Plaisance terroirs was a moment of instant connection, and her inaugural vintage at the estate was released in 2019.

Winemaking

Manual harvest followed by meticulous sorting of botrytised grapes and fermentation with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel vats. Aging for at least one year in stainless steel vats .

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.