Savennières

AOP/AOC by decree dated 8th December 1952, amended 9th September 2011.

 

Vineyards

Location: The area includes only three communes south of Angers on the right bank of the Loire – Savennières, Bouchemaine and la Possonnière.

Vineyard area: 140 ha.

History: The area’s outstanding natural conditions were probably first identified during the Roman invasions. Vine growing developed at the time of the large monasteries, and was subsequently continued by landowners and then, in the 19th century, by Angers’ middle classes.

Soil and climate: This zone lies on slopes perpendicular to the Loire with excellent sun exposure, and features villages perched on rocky outcrops overlooking the river.

Technical requirements: Manual harvests in successive passes picking only overripe grapes with good concentration, with or without noble rot.

 

Wines

Average annual production over the last 5 years: 3, 700 hl.

Base yield: 50 hl/ha (35 hl/ha for demi-secs and sweet wines, produced only in small quantities).

Varietal: Chenin Blanc

Growing Practices: Minimum planting density: 4,000 vines per hectare Pruning: Double guyot to 2×3 buds or gobelet to 3×2 buds.

 

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deeply coloured, from straw yellow to gold with green reflections, developing with age into old gold with amber reflections.
• Nose: Intense and complex, with the sometimes austere herbal aromas of fern and jasmine in the early years. Aromas of lime blossom, aniseed, grapefruit, pear, honey and quince paste follow, developing white peaches and florals over a base of beeswax and dried fruit.
• Palate: Succulent and full bodied with a vibrant, fresh finish and a marked edge of minerality. Excellent aromatic persistence.
• Serve at at 12°C.

 

 

Food Pairings

Dry Savennières is perfect for bringing out the flavors of freshwater fish in white sauce; or try with white pudding with truffles, Coquilles St- Jacques, blanquette of veal, or any other white meat served in a cream-based sauce with mushrooms.

 

Aging Potential

At least 5 years, although wines from a good vintage will keep a great deal longer. Savennières Roche aux Moines and Coulée de Serrant have excellent cellaring potential.