A Symphony to the Chenin Blanc grape: Delicious Balade en Chenin 2020 by Le Clos Galerne: Case of 12 bottles delivered

£179.00

17/20 Jancis Robinson MW

This Balade en Chenin is well named—it’s a symphony to the Chenin grape, complex, bright, a true representation of both the grape and its native Loire Valley. It is a new arrival in the Club Cellar and the Tasting Panel are ‘absolute fans’ and recommend it to Members. The prestigious wine critic Jancis Robinson MW awarded the wine 17/20—a very high score.

Le Clos Galerne is the creation of idealists, a young winemaking family who relocated here to search out the best terroirs. Now they produce 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 the Anjou region—more precisely, the mediaeval village of Rochefort-sur-Loire, where they purchased a small estate focused on the production of Chenin Blanc from the finest old vine plantings across distinct and varied terroirs facing the Layon River.

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

The 2020 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.

This is a versatile wine, perfect as an aperitif on the terrace and a delight with food, from white fish with butter to mackerel rillettes, freshly grilled seafood including prawns, crab and crayfish, as well as raw vegetables and summer salads.

Anjou Blanc controlée. 13.5% vol. Case of 12 bottles.

Non Members £240. CCUK Members £179 including free UK mainland delivery.

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