Symphony to Chenin Blanc: Delicious Balade en Chenin 2022 by Le Clos Galerne from Anjou in the Loire Valley: perfect match for scallops: case of six bottles delivered

17/20 Jancis Robinson MW

This Balade en Chenin is a symphony to the Chenin grape, complex, bright, rounded a true expression of both the grape and its native Loire Valley. The Tasting Panel are ‘absolute fans’ (Jancis Robinson MW awarded 17/20 points). If you are about to lunch or dine on scallops, this is the perfect wine pairing.

Le Clos Galerne is a family affair, producing great terroir-driven wine with brilliant minerality and expression. Having trained as oenologists and at Château d’Esclans, Cédric Bourez and his wife Myrtille searched for years to find the right domain and in 2018 fell in love with Anjou—more precisely, the mediaeval village of Rochefort-sur-Loire, where they purchased a small estate focused on Chenin Blanc from the finest old vine plantings across distinct and varied terroirs facing the Layon River.

Balade en Chenin vines average about 25 years. Fruit is hand harvested and fermented using indigenous yeasts. Organically farmed from day one, full certification awarded in 2021, vinification is simple and without intervention. Fermentations start naturally with indigenous yeast. The Chenin spends 11 months on lees.

The 2022 Balade is a delicate yellow colour with hues of green. On the nose, floral notes of elderflower and jasmine are accompanied by fresh green apple. With its bright acidity, a complex mix of yellow fruits and confit citrus fruits, the wine epitomises the Chenin grape. The mouthfeel is well structured and persistent, finishing with a beautiful salinity. Delicious now, it has the potential to age five years.

Food pairing: delicious as an aperitif, it is superb with scallops. Also enjoy with buttery white fish, oily fish and shellfish (prawns, crab and crayfish), summer salads.

Anjou Blanc controlée. 13.5% vol. Case of six bottles.

Non Members £162. CCUK Members £119 including free UK mainland delivery.

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