Château de Plaisance, Anjou Blanc, Ronceray, Rochefort-Sur-Loire, Anjou-Saumur, Loire, France, 2023

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

Spurred on by several winegrowers in the appellation, Ronceray is the name given to the dry whites created in the Chaume 1er Cru and Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru appellation, in tribute to the abbesses of the Ronceay abbey, owners of the vines in the 11th century. Vines planted on soils of Schale, Spilite and Sandstone.

Winemaking

Hand harvested in boxes followed by meticulous sorting of grapes, slow cold pressing followed by fermentation with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel vats with 30% in Burgundy barrels. Partial malolactic fermentation. Aging for at least one year in stainless steel vats with 30% in Burgundy barrels for 12 months.

Tasting Note

100% dry Chenin from the Butte de Chaume. It is a full-bodied and incisive wine, with great minerality. Crunchy and with a saline finish.

Food Matching

To be enjoyed on its own, with a ceviche, sea bass tartare or citrus marinated poultry