From: Loire Valley, France
Varietal: Chenin Blanc
Taste: On the nose, a symphony of ripe fruits (green apple, white peach, quince), minerality, and subtle flintiness. Its aromatic profile opens with sweet lime and Meyer lemon, woven with threads of exotic spices and a hint of flint that encapsulates the essence of the limestone-rich soils of its origin. The palate mirrors the complex nose with the addition of a rich lemon curd flavor. The initial taste can feel overwhelming, but this quickly gives way to a gentle but persistent acidity that provides an undercurrent of freshness, balancing the aromatic complexity. Contrary to wines from warmer sites, the 2019 Clos David's cool-climate origin shines through without tropical or overly ripe fruit flavors, which lets the terroir's unique characteristics take center stage.
The wine's texture is a dream, flowing with an elegant, refined body that envelops the palate. The finish is long and satisfying, echoing citrus and mineral tones while whispering notes of chalkiness reminiscent of the limestone soils.
Pairing: If you're seeking a pairing for this remarkable Saumur Blanc, consider lobster or dungeness crab rolls! Other food pairings include dim sum (or more specifically, dumplings— see recipe below), smoked salmon, fish and chips, and savory tarts – the wine’s crispness and bright fruit make it a versatile match for a range of dishes.
Shrimp and Scallop Dumplings
By David Tanis
About. Nestled within the iconic wine region of Saumur-Champigny, a quiet revolution is taking place. Arnaud Lambert, with his deep commitment to revealing the terroir of his vineyards, has emerged as one of the leading vignerons in the region. His dedication is particularly focused on the tiny hamlet of Brézé, a location that boasts a unique limestone subsoil that has, for centuries, produced exceptional wines.
Historically, the wines of Château de Brézé were held in such high esteem that they were compared to those of the prestigious Château d'Yquem. Today, Arnaud Lambert and his extraordinary Saumur Blanc Clos David 2019 Monopole continue to uphold this venerable legacy, winning accolades as one of the “Top 100 Producers of France for 2019” by Bettane & Dessauve.
An Extraordinary Terroir
The soil composition at Brézé plays a crucial role in the quality of its wines. Comprised of tuffeau, a porous, chalky limestone also used in the construction of much of the Loire’s Renaissance architecture, the region's soil perfectly complements the Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc varieties. Clay and sand in the region further add to the diversity of the terroirs, contributing body to the reds and richness to the whites.
Arnaud Lambert’s Saumur Blanc Clos David 2019 is a perfect example of the region's superior terroir. The vineyard's limestone soils lend the wine a distinct minerality, which, when coupled with the lively acidity and gentle hints of citrus, results in a wine of notable complexity and depth. Indeed, the Saumur Blanc is so well-regarded that it's often compared to Montrachet, one of the finest white Burgundies.
A Focus on Organic Viticulture
Arnaud Lambert and his father, Yves, made the decision in 2009 to convert all their vineyards to organic farming. This choice further emphasizes their commitment to quality and their desire to preserve the distinctive character of the region. The vineyards are now transitioning to biodynamic viticulture, representing Lambert’s continued drive to unlock the full potential of each individual terroir.
This holistic approach to farming and winemaking has allowed Lambert to create exceptional wines that express the unique qualities of their vineyard sites. In the 2019 Clos David Saumur Blanc, the elegance of Chenin Blanc is masterfully showcased with a wine of outstanding focus and freshness.
An Unforgettable Tasting Experience
The 2019 Clos David Saumur Blanc draws you in with the enchanting aroma that limestone soils bestow upon their wines. A captivating blend of sweet lime, Meyer lemon, exotic spice, and flint greets the nose, followed by a refreshingly crisp acidity on the palate. Despite the cold site's inability to develop botrytis, even in ideal years, the wine’s flavor profile is complex and remarkably balanced.
Although it hasn't been formally reviewed yet, the previous 2018 vintage earned an impressive 92 points from Stephan Reinhardt of Wine Advocate. It's safe to say that expectations are high for the 2019 release.
