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Domaine Belargus
"A cult project out of Loire that has the unicorn hunters on high alert" - Mike Bennie, The Wine Front
Domaine Belargus is the realisation of a dream by former Parisian investor Ivan Massonnat. While it was his love and respect for Burgundy that ignited his passion for wine, his family connection to Chinon opened his eyes to the potential of Chenin Blanc from the great terroirs of the Loire Valley. A chance encounter with retiring vigneron Jo Pithon lead the pair to meet at the foot of the legendary Coteau des Treilles vineyard one frosty morning, and the fate of each was sealed. Further acquisitions followed, including one quarter of Les Quarts in the historic heart of the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, along with sites across the river in Savennières. This new estate is 100% dedicated to Chenin Blanc and celebrates the grape's versatility regarding terroirs and wine style. Ivan has installed a young team, and together they are currently converting to biodynamics, with a single-plot approach inspired by Ivan's first love: Burgundy.
Adapting their approach each vintage, the various plots are harvested at their optimum maturity at incredibly low yields of around 25 hectolitres per hectare. Fermentation occurs in barrel using indigenous yeasts, and can last from less than a month to more than a year, depending on each plot and the vintage characteristics. This is one of the most exciting new ventures in France today, and should appease lovers of high quality, terroir specific wines.
![2020 Domaine Belargus Ronceray Anjou]()
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2020 Domaine Belargus Ronceray AnjouLoire Valley, FRANCE$125. 00Bottle$1500.00 DozenABV: 13.5%Closure: CorkDomaine Belargus is the realisation of a dream by former Parisian investor Ivan Massonnat. While it was his love and respect for Burgundy that ignited his passion for wine, his family connection to Chinon opened his eyes to the potential of Chenin Blanc from the great terroirs of the Loire Valley. A chance encounter with retiring vigneron Jo Pithon lead the pair to meet at the foot of the legendary Coteau des Treilles vineyard one frosty morning, and the fate of each was sealed. Further acquisitions followed, including one quarter of Les Quarts in the historic heart of the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, along with sites across the river in Savennières. This new estate is 100% dedicated to Chenin Blanc and celebrates the grape's versatility regarding terroirs and wine style. Ivan has installed a young team, and together they are currently converting to biodynamics, with a single-plot approach inspired by Ivan's first love: Burgundy.
Adapting their approach each vintage, the various plots are harvested at their optimum maturity at incredibly low yields of around 25 hectolitres per hectare. Fermentation occurs in barrel using indigenous yeasts, and can last from less than a month to more than a year, depending on each plot and the vintage characteristics. This is one of the most exciting new ventures in France today, and should appease lovers of high quality, terroir specific wines.
This cuvée comes from a blend of all the plots of the Domaine on the Quarts-de-Chaume rump. Its name refers to the abbey of the same name, owner of the Chaume vineyards since the 11th century. A terroir with complex geology, the marriage of schists and pudding sandstone gives this cuvée a sharp minerality and a floral and fruity richness. A fine bitterness, signature of this terroir, brings complexity and length in the mouth.
Other Reviews....
From Massonnat’s biodynamic vineyards in Anjou. Enticing nose of citrus and honey. This has a rich, saline grip in the mouth, and an attractive touch of bitterness. Taut and focused, with a sense of restrained energy and mineral drive. Vibrant and very intense, with lovely finesse. Very fine, and should unfurl beautifully. Drink 2023 - 2030.
96 points
Rupert Joy - Decanter![2020 Domaine Belargus Quarts Anjou]()
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2020 Domaine Belargus Quarts AnjouLoire Valley, FRANCE$240. 00Bottle$2880.00 DozenABV: 13.5%Closure: CorkDomaine Belargus is the realisation of a dream by former Parisian investor Ivan Massonnat. While it was his love and respect for Burgundy that ignited his passion for wine, his family connection to Chinon opened his eyes to the potential of Chenin Blanc from the great terroirs of the Loire Valley. A chance encounter with retiring vigneron Jo Pithon lead the pair to meet at the foot of the legendary Coteau des Treilles vineyard one frosty morning, and the fate of each was sealed. Further acquisitions followed, including one quarter of Les Quarts in the historic heart of the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, along with sites across the river in Savennières. This new estate is 100% dedicated to Chenin Blanc and celebrates the grape's versatility regarding terroirs and wine style. Ivan has installed a young team, and together they are currently converting to biodynamics, with a single-plot approach inspired by Ivan's first love: Burgundy.
Adapting their approach each vintage, the various plots are harvested at their optimum maturity at incredibly low yields of around 25 hectolitres per hectare. Fermentation occurs in barrel using indigenous yeasts, and can last from less than a month to more than a year, depending on each plot and the vintage characteristics. This is one of the most exciting new ventures in France today, and should appease lovers of high quality, terroir specific wines.
"Les Quarts" is the original plot, facing south, which gave its name to the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation. As a matter of fact, until the French Revolution, the lords of Haute Guerche, tenants of the Chaume vineyards, used to pay the nuns of the Ronceray Abbey with “the best quarters of the harvest” ... The name “Quarts-de-Chaume” was born. The soils are based on Precambrian schists, which bring finesse and length to this legendary cuvée.
Other Reviews....
Made with fruit from the Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru vineyard, a south-facing slope of mainly schist, the nose is reminiscent of a sweet Chenin: hugely scented, honeyed and smoky with hints of truffle. The sumptuous fruit glides across the palate, until the 'wow!' moment when the acidity and bitter minerality kick in. Saline intensity with honey and baked apples offer a lingering softness held together in the gentlest skein of freshness. Effortless star quality. Drink 2024 - 2044.
96 points
Beverley Blanning MW - Decanter![2020 Domaine Belargus Bonnes Blanche Anjou]()
2020 Domaine Belargus Bonnes Blanche AnjouLoire Valley, FRANCE$170. 00Bottle$2040.00 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkDomaine Belargus is the realisation of a dream by former Parisian investor Ivan Massonnat. While it was his love and respect for Burgundy that ignited his passion for wine, his family connection to Chinon opened his eyes to the potential of Chenin Blanc from the great terroirs of the Loire Valley. A chance encounter with retiring vigneron Jo Pithon lead the pair to meet at the foot of the legendary Coteau des Treilles vineyard one frosty morning, and the fate of each was sealed. Further acquisitions followed, including one quarter of Les Quarts in the historic heart of the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, along with sites across the river in Savennières. This new estate is 100% dedicated to Chenin Blanc and celebrates the grape's versatility regarding terroirs and wine style. Ivan has installed a young team, and together they are currently converting to biodynamics, with a single-plot approach inspired by Ivan's first love: Burgundy.
Adapting their approach each vintage, the various plots are harvested at their optimum maturity at incredibly low yields of around 25 hectolitres per hectare. Fermentation occurs in barrel using indigenous yeasts, and can last from less than a month to more than a year, depending on each plot and the vintage characteristics. This is one of the most exciting new ventures in France today, and should appease lovers of high quality, terroir specific wines.
The "Clos des Bonnes Blanches" is one of the emblematic plots located in Saint-Lambert du Lattay, cultivated as single-plot by generations of local winegrowers. Located on a slight slope facing North, these cool soils rest on talc shales and small rocks of quartz. This late terroir produces delicate and somewhat intellectual wines. They show floral aromas, with a touch of fenel and mint, backed by a strong mineral spine. They are renowned for their long ageing potential.
![2018 Domaine Belargus Clos des Rucheres Savennieres Magnum (1500ml)]()
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2018 Domaine Belargus Clos des Rucheres Savennieres Magnum (1500ml)Loire Valley, FRANCE$530. 00Bottle$6360.00 DozenABV: 13%Closure: CorkDomaine Belargus is the realisation of a dream by former Parisian investor Ivan Massonnat. While it was his love and respect for Burgundy that ignited his passion for wine, his family connection to Chinon opened his eyes to the potential of Chenin Blanc from the great terroirs of the Loire Valley. A chance encounter with retiring vigneron Jo Pithon lead the pair to meet at the foot of the legendary Coteau des Treilles vineyard one frosty morning, and the fate of each was sealed. Further acquisitions followed, including one quarter of Les Quarts in the historic heart of the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, along with sites across the river in Savennières. This new estate is 100% dedicated to Chenin Blanc and celebrates the grape's versatility regarding terroirs and wine style. Ivan has installed a young team, and together they are currently converting to biodynamics, with a single-plot approach inspired by Ivan's first love: Burgundy.
Adapting their approach each vintage, the various plots are harvested at their optimum maturity at incredibly low yields of around 25 hectolitres per hectare. Fermentation occurs in barrel using indigenous yeasts, and can last from less than a month to more than a year, depending on each plot and the vintage characteristics. This is one of the most exciting new ventures in France today, and should appease lovers of high quality, terroir specific wines.
Located at the bottom of La Roche-aux-Moines, the “Clos des Ruchères” (Monopole) rests on a slope of purple schists, covered with a very thin layer of soil of only twenty centimetres. This tiny steep plot, worked like a garden, gives birth to a wine carried by a great mineral tension. Two years of maturation give it length and aromatic complexity, as well as a significant aging potential.
Other Reviews....
Located at the bottom of La Roche-aux-Moines, the steep, southwest-facing 0.4-hectare Clos des Ruchères monopole rests on a slope of purple schists, covered with a very thin layer of soil of only 20 centimeters. Aged two years on the lees, the 2018 Savennières Clos des Ruchères has a golden-yellow color and opens with an intense but also quite developed nose of ripe and stewed yellow fruits, whereas the crystalline, flinty schist notes remain in the background. Round, highly elegant and refined on the fruit-intense and aromatic palate, this is a crystalline, linear but also juicy and well-concentrated Ruchères with great mineral tension but most of all finesse. The finish is much fresher and purer than expected from the nose and very long and intense. Given the elegant and sustainable finish, the 2018 should have significant aging potential. Tasted in June 2021. Drink 2021 - 2045.
93 points
Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate (July 2021)Clos des Ruchères is a tiny plot, facing south-west. Chenin Blanc planted in 2008, and a terroir of loam and clay on purple schist. A nose of hazelnut, almond and perfectly integrated oak. After some swirling, the bouquet develops with aromas of spices, flowers and flint. Superb mouthfeel with a texture that is both fine-grained and fleshy. This wine has remarkable freshness, also some salinity while also leaving a slight sensation of tannins. A Savennières of crystalline clarity. Drinking Window 2025 - 2040.
94 points
Yohan Castaing - DecanterStill in élevage, this cuvée is sourced from a tiny 0.4-hectare vineyard on degraded purple schist and clay. The total crop amounts to just three barrels, and this is a sample from one barrel rather than a blending, so not entirely representative. Compared to Gaudrets the nose offers a huge step up in character, showing a very pure schistose style, much more focused, and dressed with a fragrant floral minerality. This is very fine, but the palate is heavily marked by vanillin oak at the moment, all wrapped up in threads of stone and schist, along with very fresh acidity. Really focused, with a very fine-boned style, swirled with liquorice, vanilla and fennel from the oak. It is difficult to judge on this sample taken from one obviously new barrel. Nevertheless it feels evidently superior to Gaudrets.
92-94 points
Chris Kissack - Winedoctor![44308527_1.jpg]()
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2018 Domaine Belargus Quarts Quarts de Chaumes Grand Cru (375ml)Loire Valley, FRANCE$175. 00Bottle$2100.00 DozenABV: 11%Closure: CorkDomaine Belargus is the realisation of a dream by former Parisian investor Ivan Massonnat. While it was his love and respect for Burgundy that ignited his passion for wine, his family connection to Chinon opened his eyes to the potential of Chenin Blanc from the great terroirs of the Loire Valley. A chance encounter with retiring vigneron Jo Pithon lead the pair to meet at the foot of the legendary Coteau des Treilles vineyard one frosty morning, and the fate of each was sealed. Further acquisitions followed, including one quarter of Les Quarts in the historic heart of the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, along with sites across the river in Savennières. This new estate is 100% dedicated to Chenin Blanc and celebrates the grape's versatility regarding terroirs and wine style. Ivan has installed a young team, and together they are currently converting to biodynamics, with a single-plot approach inspired by Ivan's first love: Burgundy.
Adapting their approach each vintage, the various plots are harvested at their optimum maturity at incredibly low yields of around 25 hectolitres per hectare. Fermentation occurs in barrel using indigenous yeasts, and can last from less than a month to more than a year, depending on each plot and the vintage characteristics. This is one of the most exciting new ventures in France today, and should appease lovers of high quality, terroir specific wines.
"Les Quarts" is the original plot that gave its name to the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation. The magic of the Quarts-de-Chaume terroir is the sunny hillside facing south, exposed to the morning mists of the Layon river and ventilated by constant winds resulting in a botrytis of rare concentration. The schists in the subsoil give this cuvée a vertical structure and an elegant freshness.
Other Reviews....
"Les Quarts is the original plot that gave its name to the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation," reminds Ivan Massonnat, spiritus rector of Domaine Belargus. The Quarts-de-Chaume terroir—a sunny, south-facing hillside on schists, exposed to the morning mists of the Layon River and ventilated by constant winds—results in "a botrytis of rare concentration," says Massonnat, as the 2018 Quarts-de-Chaume Grand Cru Liquoreux Les Quarts demonstrates impressively. Amber-orange colored, the nose is deep, intense and concentrated, very complex and elegant, with spicy and balsamic apricot notes, nougat and porcini aromas as well as flinty-mineral notes and associations of crispy ham hock. Round, smooth and sweet but with great finesse and elegance, this is a rich yet almost weightless and perfectly balanced liquoreux from the central Les Quarts plot of the QDC appellation that develops a vertical, highly stimulating and filigreed structure that leads to a long, crisp and frisky piquancy and salty finesse that makes this grand cru wine extremely digestible, even at this very early stage. Belargus's 2018 Les Quarts pairs richness and sweetness with crystalline finesse and elegance in an unrivaled way. A fabulous, irresistible grand cru! 11% alcohol. Tasted in June 2021. Drink 2021 - 2100.
99 points
Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate (July 2021)South-facing plot on pudding-stone bedrock. More gingerbread than Les Rouères, Les Quarts displays right from the first whiff all its power and complexity. Density and energy join forces for a full, unctuous wine with significant ageing potential. Superb. Drinking Window 2030 - 2060.
95 points
Yohan Castaing - DecanterOne of two cuvées currently made available in this appellation, this comes from 3.08 hectares of vines planted on schist with a south-facing slope of 10% to 20%. The team filled several barrels ranging from new to a few years old, and this is a sample from a new barrel. The nose is simply huge and well-toasted, loaded with scented vanillin lactones, carrying rich scents of dried fruits especially dried fig. I find the same character on the palate, the oak showing quite strongly, but it soon opens up to release the fruit as it fills out on the palate. It presents seams of dried fruits, dried figs, dates and raisins, with a soft and slightly chalky phenolic backbone, and the requisite acidity. I think there is fine potential here but it is a bit difficult to predict from this limited oak-dominated sample.
94-96 points
Chris Kissack - Winedoctor![44308525_1.jpg]()
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2018 Domaine Belargus Roueres AnjouLoire Valley, FRANCE$170. 00Bottle$2040.00 DozenABV: 14%Closure: CorkDomaine Belargus is the realisation of a dream by former Parisian investor Ivan Massonnat. While it was his love and respect for Burgundy that ignited his passion for wine, his family connection to Chinon opened his eyes to the potential of Chenin Blanc from the great terroirs of the Loire Valley. A chance encounter with retiring vigneron Jo Pithon lead the pair to meet at the foot of the legendary Coteau des Treilles vineyard one frosty morning, and the fate of each was sealed. Further acquisitions followed, including one quarter of Les Quarts in the historic heart of the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, along with sites across the river in Savennières. This new estate is 100% dedicated to Chenin Blanc and celebrates the grape's versatility regarding terroirs and wine style. Ivan has installed a young team, and together they are currently converting to biodynamics, with a single-plot approach inspired by Ivan's first love: Burgundy.
Adapting their approach each vintage, the various plots are harvested at their optimum maturity at incredibly low yields of around 25 hectolitres per hectare. Fermentation occurs in barrel using indigenous yeasts, and can last from less than a month to more than a year, depending on each plot and the vintage characteristics. This is one of the most exciting new ventures in France today, and should appease lovers of high quality, terroir specific wines.
“Les Rouères” is one of the three plots listed in the original decree creating the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, on the eastern side. The soils, thin and hot, rest on pudding sandstone (sand concretions and rolled gravel) accumulating the heat of the day and restoring it at night. This solar terroir gives birth to charming, ample and complex wines.
Other Reviews....
Located on the eastern side, Les Rouères is one of the three plots listed in the original decree creating the Quarts-de-Chaume Grand Cru appellation, says Ivan Massonnat. The shallow and warm soils rest on pudding sandstone (sand concretions and rolled gravel), which accumulate the heat of the day and restore it at night. This solar terroir gives birth to fruit-intense, complex and ample wines, and the Belarus 2018 Anjou Les Rouères is a great example. The intensely straw-yellow wine offers an intensely aromatic bouquet of ripe, stewed and concentrated fruits intertwined with delicate schistous notes. The Les Rouères is much more fruit intense than all the other Anjous from this exciting domaine. On the palate, this is a silky-textured, rich and elegant, dense yet well balanced, finessed and aromatic Chenin with an exceptionally long and, due to firm tannins, sustainably structured finish that fits easily into Markus Molitor's infamous "physical drinking" category. It is a dense, rich and powerful, firmly structured and enormously fruity Rochefort (or better: dry Quarts-de-Chaume) from late-harvested Chenin Blanc grapes. You shouldn't look for the purity and crushed stones and fresh fruits here. Although the wine has tension, finesse and purity, it is a rather baroque style made to enjoy in a decade and possibly for decades. 14% alcohol (according to the back label, possibly more). Tasted in June 2021. Drink 2030 - 2060.
95 points
Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate (Jul 2021)This is produced from a special type of soil with pudding stones, which makes for powerful wines. A complex nose – floral, gentian and spices – for this racy yet fleshy, dense wine. The texture is superb, with a succulent roundness, some beguiling bitterness and an overall precision and impressive freshness with a menthol flourish. Great ageing potential. Drinking Window 2025 - 2035.
93 points
Yohan Castaing - DecanterThis cuvée is sourced from Les Rouères, one of the domaine’s parcels in the Quarts de Chaume zone, where the slope ranges from 10% to 30%. The 2.96 hectares of vines are planted on warm soils over conglomerate rocks known as poudingue, or puddingstone. At the time of tasting this was still in élevage, this sample drawn from a ten-year-old barrel. It has a focused nose, elegant with notes of elderflower and an effusive minerality suggested. There follows great harmony on the palate, fresh and charming, again full of convincing minerality here, with no real impact from the oak. The middle shows focused and tightly expressed energy with lots of vivacious acidity, wrapping up a core of peach and mirabelle fruits. Really nice potential here.
93-95 points
Chris Kissack - Winedoctor![2020 Domaine Belargus Veau Anjou]()
2020 Domaine Belargus Veau AnjouLoire Valley, FRANCE$190. 00Bottle$2280.00 DozenABV: 14%Closure: CorkDomaine Belargus is the realisation of a dream by former Parisian investor Ivan Massonnat. While it was his love and respect for Burgundy that ignited his passion for wine, his family connection to Chinon opened his eyes to the potential of Chenin Blanc from the great terroirs of the Loire Valley. A chance encounter with retiring vigneron Jo Pithon lead the pair to meet at the foot of the legendary Coteau des Treilles vineyard one frosty morning, and the fate of each was sealed. Further acquisitions followed, including one quarter of Les Quarts in the historic heart of the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, along with sites across the river in Savennières. This new estate is 100% dedicated to Chenin Blanc and celebrates the grape's versatility regarding terroirs and wine style. Ivan has installed a young team, and together they are currently converting to biodynamics, with a single-plot approach inspired by Ivan's first love: Burgundy.
Adapting their approach each vintage, the various plots are harvested at their optimum maturity at incredibly low yields of around 25 hectolitres per hectare. Fermentation occurs in barrel using indigenous yeasts, and can last from less than a month to more than a year, depending on each plot and the vintage characteristics. This is one of the most exciting new ventures in France today, and should appease lovers of high quality, terroir specific wines.
"Le Veau" is one of the three plots originally listed in the decree creating the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation. The Belargus plot covers the most part of this small area, exposed to the West. Its name comes from the shape of the plot, which constitutes a small valley. The soil is very thin (to non-existent in some parts) as the plot rests on a flush schist area, providing mineral tension and long ageing potential to the wines.
![2018 Domaine Belargus Treilles Anjou]()
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2018 Domaine Belargus Treilles AnjouLoire Valley, FRANCE$375. 00Bottle$4500.00 DozenABV: 14%Closure: CorkDomaine Belargus is the realisation of a dream by former Parisian investor Ivan Massonnat. While it was his love and respect for Burgundy that ignited his passion for wine, his family connection to Chinon opened his eyes to the potential of Chenin Blanc from the great terroirs of the Loire Valley. A chance encounter with retiring vigneron Jo Pithon lead the pair to meet at the foot of the legendary Coteau des Treilles vineyard one frosty morning, and the fate of each was sealed. Further acquisitions followed, including one quarter of Les Quarts in the historic heart of the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, along with sites across the river in Savennières. This new estate is 100% dedicated to Chenin Blanc and celebrates the grape's versatility regarding terroirs and wine style. Ivan has installed a young team, and together they are currently converting to biodynamics, with a single-plot approach inspired by Ivan's first love: Burgundy.
Adapting their approach each vintage, the various plots are harvested at their optimum maturity at incredibly low yields of around 25 hectolitres per hectare. Fermentation occurs in barrel using indigenous yeasts, and can last from less than a month to more than a year, depending on each plot and the vintage characteristics. This is one of the most exciting new ventures in France today, and should appease lovers of high quality, terroir specific wines.
Other Reviews....
The south-facing 2.72-hectare monopole Coteau des Treilles in Rochefort was resuscitated at the end of the 1990s by Jo Pithon from Domaine Pithon, once famous for world-class noble sweet wines from the Coteaux du Layon. Abandoned after the war because of its 30% to 70% steep slopes, this south-facing hillside is based on "geological chaos," as Ivan Massonnat puts it. "The subsoils are made up of magmatic rocks, schists, pudding stone and ancient limestones. ... This plot is located in the heart of the Pont-Barré Natural Reserve, a heaven of biodiversity that has never known chemistry and is home to exceptional flora and fauna, observed as early as the 18th century by Angevin botanists."I remember well my first visit here 17 years ago when I was deeply impressed by the vineyard and Jo's initiative to bring this grand cru back on the map of the Loire's finest vineyards. I have always adored Jo's wines from this cru, but the Belargus 2018 Anjou Coteau des Treilles seems to top everything that I have known from here. Intensely golden-yellow in color, the wine opens with a pure, refined and elegant yet intense and flinty nose of perfectly ripe yet fine fruits that intermingle with the schistous terroir as well as pastry and lemon/orange-scented fruit aromas. Filigreed and intense on the refined and elegant palate, this is a full-bodied, dense, intense and tensioned yet highly finessed and elegant Chenin with elderflower and orange blossom flavors at this early stage and a delicate tannin structure. The wine is rich and intense but always stimulating, with great finesse and elegance as well as long and juicy, wonderfully concentrated fruit. Everything is in great harmony, and any serious wine lover should at least taste this beauty. Drink 2030 - 2080.
97 points
Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate (July 2021)A monopole of just under 3ha, south-facing, with pudding-stone and arenite on spilite terroirs. A complex nose, rather Mediterranean in style, with notes of apricot, white peach, rockrose and iodine. The entry is mouth-coating, fleshy yet crystalline so the texture is fine-grained and perfectly balanced. A magical, elegant wine with excellent ageing potential. Drinking Window 2025 - 2045.
96 points
Yohan Castaing - Decanter![440705356_1.jpg]()
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2018 Domaine Belargus Gaudrets SavennieresLoire Valley, FRANCE$115. 00Bottle$1380.00 DozenABV: 13.5%Closure: CorkDomaine Belargus is the realisation of a dream by former Parisian investor Ivan Massonnat. While it was his love and respect for Burgundy that ignited his passion for wine, his family connection to Chinon opened his eyes to the potential of Chenin Blanc from the great terroirs of the Loire Valley. A chance encounter with retiring vigneron Jo Pithon lead the pair to meet at the foot of the legendary Coteau des Treilles vineyard one frosty morning, and the fate of each was sealed. Further acquisitions followed, including one quarter of Les Quarts in the historic heart of the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, along with sites across the river in Savennières. This new estate is 100% dedicated to Chenin Blanc and celebrates the grape's versatility regarding terroirs and wine style. Ivan has installed a young team, and together they are currently converting to biodynamics, with a single-plot approach inspired by Ivan's first love: Burgundy.
Adapting their approach each vintage, the various plots are harvested at their optimum maturity at incredibly low yields of around 25 hectolitres per hectare. Fermentation occurs in barrel using indigenous yeasts, and can last from less than a month to more than a year, depending on each plot and the vintage characteristics. This is one of the most exciting new ventures in France today, and should appease lovers of high quality, terroir specific wines.
Coming from a set of plots located high up in the village of Savennières, on a plateau of aeolian sands and deep black schists, the “Gaudrets” cuvée embodies the typical profile of Savennières wines. This cuvée expresses aromas of white flowers and citrus fruits opening onto an enveloping palate, carried by a beautiful acidity and an iodine finish.
Other Reviews....
Coming from several southeast-facing plots located high up the village on a plateau of aeolian sands and deep black schists, the 2018 Savennières Les Gaudrets opens with a clear, bright and lifted, delicately fruity bouquet intermingled with notes of crushed stones, white flowers and citrus fruits. Also, the stony aromas and not the fruity ones intensify with aeration and intermingle with the delicate, rather bright fruit aromas (mirabelles). The enveloping palate is silky, refined and very elegant, less powerful and tannic than the Anjou Noir but carried by a beautiful acidity and refined and balanced, with an intense, iodine and spectacularly long and also tannic-structured finish. This is a delicate and very elegant Savennières that already drinks very well, but it can be aged for up to two decades, maybe longer. Tasted in June 2021. Drink 2024 - 2040.
92 points
Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate (July 2021)From Anjou. A 1.58 hectare vineyard of chenin blanc. A cult project out of Loire that has the unicorn hunters on high alert.
Scintillating white, afterburners on. Turbo but so sleek. An arrow thrust of incredibly detailed, liquid mineral and savoury funk laden white that burrows into the palate and stains everything in its path forever. Perfume of ozone, citrus, crushed rock, flint, sea spray. Tight, racy, refreshing, that click in the palate. Oh my. Brilliant!
96 points
Mike Bennie - The Wine FrontThe Gaudrets cuvée comes from several parcels on the plateau, on sandy soils over black schist. It was bottled after élevage lasting one year in a mix of 400- and 600-litre barrels, and 12-, 20- and 60-hectolitre foudres. The aromatics have a floral appeal, feeling very typical of the more sandy side of Savennières, with notes of honeysuckle and elderflower, underpinned by a light, sandy minerality. This is followed by good focus on the palate, showing a fresh and reductive style, minerally and acid-driven, with a fine grip to it. An attractive wine considering the origins, finessed, allowing the delicacy of the sandy soils to show though, which works well with its well-judged minerally energy. A final dose of sulphites means the level here is 40 mg/l.
92 points
Chris Kissack - Winedoctor![440705355_1.jpg]()
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2018 Domaine Belargus Ronceray AnjouLoire Valley, FRANCE$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 14%Closure: CorkDomaine Belargus is the realisation of a dream by former Parisian investor Ivan Massonnat. While it was his love and respect for Burgundy that ignited his passion for wine, his family connection to Chinon opened his eyes to the potential of Chenin Blanc from the great terroirs of the Loire Valley. A chance encounter with retiring vigneron Jo Pithon lead the pair to meet at the foot of the legendary Coteau des Treilles vineyard one frosty morning, and the fate of each was sealed. Further acquisitions followed, including one quarter of Les Quarts in the historic heart of the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, along with sites across the river in Savennières. This new estate is 100% dedicated to Chenin Blanc and celebrates the grape's versatility regarding terroirs and wine style. Ivan has installed a young team, and together they are currently converting to biodynamics, with a single-plot approach inspired by Ivan's first love: Burgundy.
Adapting their approach each vintage, the various plots are harvested at their optimum maturity at incredibly low yields of around 25 hectolitres per hectare. Fermentation occurs in barrel using indigenous yeasts, and can last from less than a month to more than a year, depending on each plot and the vintage characteristics. This is one of the most exciting new ventures in France today, and should appease lovers of high quality, terroir specific wines.
This cuvée comes from a blend of all the plots of the Domaine on the Quarts-de-Chaume rump. Its name refers to the abbey of the same name, owner of the Chaume vineyards since the 11th century. A terroir with complex geology, the marriage of schists and pudding sandstone gives this cuvée a sharp minerality and a floral and fruity richness. A fine bitterness, signature of this terroir, brings complexity and length in the mouth.
Other Reviews....
The 2018 Anjou Ronceray assembles all the plots of the Domaine on the Quarts-de-Chaume rump. Its name refers to the abbey of the same name, owner of the Chaume vineyards since the 11th century, reports Ivan Massonat, who stresses the complex geology of the terroir that combines schists and pudding sandstone. The bouquet of the golden-yellow 2018 is noble, perfectly ripe and concentrated in its elegant stone fruit aromas that intermingle with precise and refreshing slate as well as lemony notes. Filigreed, finessed and perfectly round and intense on the palate, this is a gorgeous Chenin with intense fruit, lush fruit concentration, lots of extract, fine tannins but also finesse and balance. Grapefruit bitters on the finish. To me, this is a picture-book Anjou from Rochefort-sur-Loire, and it is characterized by richness, finesse and elegance. Irresistible. 13.5% alcohol. Tasted in June 2021. Drink 2021 - 2050.
94 points
Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate (July 2021)Ronceray is the most important cuvée of the estate and extends over more than 4ha on clay, schist, sandstone and pudding-stone soils. Pear, spices, flowers, menthol, a mouthfeel of roundness but with remarkable vibrancy on the mid-palate and then a light-footed finish. A fresh, complex Anjou white that has rectitude and precision. Drinking Window 2021 - 2028.
92 points
Yohan Castaing - DecanterThis is a blend from all the parcels on the Butte de Chaume, 4.4 hectares of vines in total, planted on soils marked by schist and sandstone, or probably schiste-gréseux to be more precise. It was bottled in December 2019. Compared to the preceding wines, the two cuvées from Savennières, this displays a slightly richer and broader style on the nose, showing the charged mineral energy of the terroir. The palate continues this theme of energy, shimmering with a floral and quartzy vivacity, and with a focused substance which more than lives up to the breadth suggested aromatically. Charming, fresh and nicely polished, with deliciously confident vigour through the finish of the wine. It has length too.
93 points
Chris Kissack - Winedoctor![440705354_1.jpg]()
- 93
2019 Domaine Belargus Anjou Noir AnjouLoire Valley, FRANCE$69. 99Bottle$839.88 DozenABV: 14%Closure: CorkDomaine Belargus is the realisation of a dream by former Parisian investor Ivan Massonnat. While it was his love and respect for Burgundy that ignited his passion for wine, his family connection to Chinon opened his eyes to the potential of Chenin Blanc from the great terroirs of the Loire Valley. A chance encounter with retiring vigneron Jo Pithon lead the pair to meet at the foot of the legendary Coteau des Treilles vineyard one frosty morning, and the fate of each was sealed. Further acquisitions followed, including one quarter of Les Quarts in the historic heart of the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, along with sites across the river in Savennières. This new estate is 100% dedicated to Chenin Blanc and celebrates the grape's versatility regarding terroirs and wine style. Ivan has installed a young team, and together they are currently converting to biodynamics, with a single-plot approach inspired by Ivan's first love: Burgundy.
Adapting their approach each vintage, the various plots are harvested at their optimum maturity at incredibly low yields of around 25 hectolitres per hectare. Fermentation occurs in barrel using indigenous yeasts, and can last from less than a month to more than a year, depending on each plot and the vintage characteristics. This is one of the most exciting new ventures in France today, and should appease lovers of high quality, terroir specific wines.
Anjou Noir is a regional cuvée that provides the gateway to the Belargus universe. It results from a blend of the Domaine's vines and provides a snapshot of the various terroir worked by the team. Produced for the first time in 2019, this emblematic cuvée of the Domaine benefits from a minimum aging of one year in vats and barrels, and expresses the quintessence of Chenin on schist. As a tribute to its region of origin, it is simply called "Anjou Noir".
Other Reviews....
Produced for the first time, the straw-yellow 2019 Anjou Noir blends different south- and north-facing schist vineyards in Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay and opens with a finely intense, even complex, pure and coolish schist bouquet with ripe and concentrated lemon and stone fruit aromas. Aged on the lees for a year, the 2019 also has white floral aromas and a serious terroir expression. The stony notes become even more intense and pure with more aeration, and I absolutely like that. Lush and round yet very elegant on the palate, with dense fruit, a fine acidity/tannin structure and a long and aromatic finish, this is a full-bodied, concentrated and perhaps more textured yet also more tannic dry Chenin compared to the, for now, lovely puristic and fresh 2020 successor. This is a serious terroir wine that I would cellar for a few years and serve for many years. 14% alcohol. Tasted in June 2021. Drink 2023 - 2038.
93 points
Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate (July 2021)![44308529_1.jpg]()
- 93
- 94
2018 Domaine Belargus Clos des Rucheres SavennieresLoire Valley, FRANCE$260. 00Bottle$3120.00 DozenABV: 13%Closure: CorkDomaine Belargus is the realisation of a dream by former Parisian investor Ivan Massonnat. While it was his love and respect for Burgundy that ignited his passion for wine, his family connection to Chinon opened his eyes to the potential of Chenin Blanc from the great terroirs of the Loire Valley. A chance encounter with retiring vigneron Jo Pithon lead the pair to meet at the foot of the legendary Coteau des Treilles vineyard one frosty morning, and the fate of each was sealed. Further acquisitions followed, including one quarter of Les Quarts in the historic heart of the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, along with sites across the river in Savennières. This new estate is 100% dedicated to Chenin Blanc and celebrates the grape's versatility regarding terroirs and wine style. Ivan has installed a young team, and together they are currently converting to biodynamics, with a single-plot approach inspired by Ivan's first love: Burgundy.
Adapting their approach each vintage, the various plots are harvested at their optimum maturity at incredibly low yields of around 25 hectolitres per hectare. Fermentation occurs in barrel using indigenous yeasts, and can last from less than a month to more than a year, depending on each plot and the vintage characteristics. This is one of the most exciting new ventures in France today, and should appease lovers of high quality, terroir specific wines.
Located at the bottom of La Roche-aux-Moines, the “Clos des Ruchères” (Monopole) rests on a slope of purple schists, covered with a very thin layer of soil of only twenty centimetres. This tiny steep plot, worked like a garden, gives birth to a wine carried by a great mineral tension. Two years of maturation give it length and aromatic complexity, as well as a significant aging potential.
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Located at the bottom of La Roche-aux-Moines, the steep, southwest-facing 0.4-hectare Clos des Ruchères monopole rests on a slope of purple schists, covered with a very thin layer of soil of only 20 centimeters. Aged two years on the lees, the 2018 Savennières Clos des Ruchères has a golden-yellow color and opens with an intense but also quite developed nose of ripe and stewed yellow fruits, whereas the crystalline, flinty schist notes remain in the background. Round, highly elegant and refined on the fruit-intense and aromatic palate, this is a crystalline, linear but also juicy and well-concentrated Ruchères with great mineral tension but most of all finesse. The finish is much fresher and purer than expected from the nose and very long and intense. Given the elegant and sustainable finish, the 2018 should have significant aging potential. Tasted in June 2021. Drink 2021 - 2045.
93 points
Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate (July 2021)Clos des Ruchères is a tiny plot, facing south-west. Chenin Blanc planted in 2008, and a terroir of loam and clay on purple schist. A nose of hazelnut, almond and perfectly integrated oak. After some swirling, the bouquet develops with aromas of spices, flowers and flint. Superb mouthfeel with a texture that is both fine-grained and fleshy. This wine has remarkable freshness, also some salinity while also leaving a slight sensation of tannins. A Savennières of crystalline clarity. Drinking Window 2025 - 2040.
94 points
Yohan Castaing - DecanterStill in élevage, this cuvée is sourced from a tiny 0.4-hectare vineyard on degraded purple schist and clay. The total crop amounts to just three barrels, and this is a sample from one barrel rather than a blending, so not entirely representative. Compared to Gaudrets the nose offers a huge step up in character, showing a very pure schistose style, much more focused, and dressed with a fragrant floral minerality. This is very fine, but the palate is heavily marked by vanillin oak at the moment, all wrapped up in threads of stone and schist, along with very fresh acidity. Really focused, with a very fine-boned style, swirled with liquorice, vanilla and fennel from the oak. It is difficult to judge on this sample taken from one obviously new barrel. Nevertheless it feels evidently superior to Gaudrets.
92-94 points
Chris Kissack - Winedoctor![44308528_1.jpg]()
- 96
- 97
2018 Domaine Belargus Roueres Quarts de Chaumes Grand Cru (375ml)Loire Valley, FRANCE$140. 00Bottle$1680.00 DozenABV: 11%Closure: CorkDomaine Belargus is the realisation of a dream by former Parisian investor Ivan Massonnat. While it was his love and respect for Burgundy that ignited his passion for wine, his family connection to Chinon opened his eyes to the potential of Chenin Blanc from the great terroirs of the Loire Valley. A chance encounter with retiring vigneron Jo Pithon lead the pair to meet at the foot of the legendary Coteau des Treilles vineyard one frosty morning, and the fate of each was sealed. Further acquisitions followed, including one quarter of Les Quarts in the historic heart of the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, along with sites across the river in Savennières. This new estate is 100% dedicated to Chenin Blanc and celebrates the grape's versatility regarding terroirs and wine style. Ivan has installed a young team, and together they are currently converting to biodynamics, with a single-plot approach inspired by Ivan's first love: Burgundy.
Adapting their approach each vintage, the various plots are harvested at their optimum maturity at incredibly low yields of around 25 hectolitres per hectare. Fermentation occurs in barrel using indigenous yeasts, and can last from less than a month to more than a year, depending on each plot and the vintage characteristics. This is one of the most exciting new ventures in France today, and should appease lovers of high quality, terroir specific wines.
"Les Rouères" is one of the three plots listed in the original decree creating the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, exposed on the eastern side. The pudding stones in the basement give a spherical and solar character to this cuvée.
Other Reviews....
From a southeast-facing 2.96-hectare vineyard on sandstone puddings, "Les Rouères" is one of the three plots listed in the original decree creating the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation. The 2018 Quarts-de-Chaume Grand Cru Rouères displays an amber-apricot color and opens with a highly intense and concentrated yet refined, elegant and slightly flinty stone fruit (apricot) and stewed strawberry aroma on the nose. Sweet, round and intense on the palate, with fine acidity, delicate botrytis and wholemeal bread notes on the palate, this is a rich yet finessed and elegant QDC with fine bitters and tannins on the tight yet pleasant finish. 10.5% alcohol. Natural cork. Drink 2021 - 2070.
96 points
Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate (Oct 2021)South-east facing plot on pudding-stone with 200g/l of residual sugar. Another wine produced from a special type of soil with pudding-stones that tends to result in powerful but not heavy wines. Aromas of quince, candied pineapple, apricot leap from the glass while maintaining remarkable precision. Density and balance. Sugars present but not overwhelming. Great ageing potential. Drinking Window 2030 - 2050.
97 points
Yohan Castaing - DecanterThis cuvées comes from the parcel Les Rouères in Quarts de Chaume, which has an incline of 10% to 30% and a terroir of puddingstone and sandstone. I find less oaky influence here, the aromatic profile rich in desiccated fruits, with raisin, toast, fig and date, with a fine mineral backbone for support in place of the oak seen in Les Quarts, despite the fact this sample was drawn from a new 400-litre barrel. The palate comes across as considerably more expressive, rich and characterful, displaying a broad sweetness with grip and substance and a dried fruit concentration, all wrapped up in a fine-boned mineral substance and fresh acidity. Very convincing, bold and broad, but poised and energetic, with great balance. This has the makings of a truly great Quarts de Chaume. On this tasting I prefer this to the cuvée Quarts, the opposite of my original findings, but final judgement will of course be reserved until the wines are in bottle.
96-98 points
Chris Kissack - Winedoctor![44308526_1.jpg]()
- 96
2018 Domaine Belargus Layon Coteaux du LayonLoire Valley, FRANCE$110. 00Bottle$1320.00 DozenABV: 11.5%Closure: CorkDomaine Belargus is the realisation of a dream by former Parisian investor Ivan Massonnat. While it was his love and respect for Burgundy that ignited his passion for wine, his family connection to Chinon opened his eyes to the potential of Chenin Blanc from the great terroirs of the Loire Valley. A chance encounter with retiring vigneron Jo Pithon lead the pair to meet at the foot of the legendary Coteau des Treilles vineyard one frosty morning, and the fate of each was sealed. Further acquisitions followed, including one quarter of Les Quarts in the historic heart of the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, along with sites across the river in Savennières. This new estate is 100% dedicated to Chenin Blanc and celebrates the grape's versatility regarding terroirs and wine style. Ivan has installed a young team, and together they are currently converting to biodynamics, with a single-plot approach inspired by Ivan's first love: Burgundy.
Adapting their approach each vintage, the various plots are harvested at their optimum maturity at incredibly low yields of around 25 hectolitres per hectare. Fermentation occurs in barrel using indigenous yeasts, and can last from less than a month to more than a year, depending on each plot and the vintage characteristics. This is one of the most exciting new ventures in France today, and should appease lovers of high quality, terroir specific wines.
This cuvée results from a blend of the Domaine's plots bordering the Layon. It is characterised by its balance and great freshness, carried by notes of fresh fruit and citrus. The palate, suave and enveloping, is supported by a tangy sensation.
Other Reviews....
From south-facing slopes on the schistous soils of the Loire tributary, the 2018 Coteaux du Layon Moelleux Layon shows a radiant orange color and a brilliant, absolutely beautiful and elegant nose of perfectly ripe and stewed apricots intertwined with fresh, spicy-mineral and herbal notes as well as wax notes. Smooth and delicate on the palate, this is a seamless, perfectly balanced moelleux with fine, crystalline acidity and fully ripe and sweet, highly elegant and refined fruit. The finish is sensationally long and stimulating. This is a great Layon to have for its own, with cheese or an apricot tart. 11.5% alcohol. Tasted in June 2021. Drink 2021 - 2070.
96 points
Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate (July 2021)It’s not a typo; the entry-level cuvée from this appellation is simply named ‘Layon’, hence the duplication. It is a blend of multiple parcels in the Coteaux du Layon appellation, in the communes of Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay and Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné. There are 6.51 hectares all told, of varying aspects and slopes. With 106 g/l residual sugar, it is centrifuged to stop the fermentation but also receives a small dose of sulphites before being bottled relatively early compared to the other sweet wines. Aromatically it is very expressive, in a pure and precise style, with scents of grilled orange slices and almond pastry. The palate has a charming presence, very harmonious and no less pure in style than the nose, with caramelised orange, praline and desiccated fruits. Very drinkable, showing a delicate but elegant poise, focused and high class.
93 points
Chris Kissack - Winedoctor![44308524_1.jpg]()
- 93
2018 Domaine Belargus Quarts AnjouLoire Valley, FRANCE$170. 00Bottle$2040.00 DozenABV: 14%Closure: CorkDomaine Belargus is the realisation of a dream by former Parisian investor Ivan Massonnat. While it was his love and respect for Burgundy that ignited his passion for wine, his family connection to Chinon opened his eyes to the potential of Chenin Blanc from the great terroirs of the Loire Valley. A chance encounter with retiring vigneron Jo Pithon lead the pair to meet at the foot of the legendary Coteau des Treilles vineyard one frosty morning, and the fate of each was sealed. Further acquisitions followed, including one quarter of Les Quarts in the historic heart of the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, along with sites across the river in Savennières. This new estate is 100% dedicated to Chenin Blanc and celebrates the grape's versatility regarding terroirs and wine style. Ivan has installed a young team, and together they are currently converting to biodynamics, with a single-plot approach inspired by Ivan's first love: Burgundy.
Adapting their approach each vintage, the various plots are harvested at their optimum maturity at incredibly low yields of around 25 hectolitres per hectare. Fermentation occurs in barrel using indigenous yeasts, and can last from less than a month to more than a year, depending on each plot and the vintage characteristics. This is one of the most exciting new ventures in France today, and should appease lovers of high quality, terroir specific wines.
"Les Quarts" is the original plot, facing south, which gave its name to the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation. As a matter of fact, until the French Revolution, the lords of Haute Guerche, tenants of the Chaume vineyards, used to pay the nuns of the Ronceray Abbey with “the best quarters of the harvest” ... The name “Quarts-de-Chaume” was born. The soils are based on Precambrian schists, which bring finesse and length to this legendary cuvée.
Other Reviews....
Les Quarts is a parcel of 3ha in the heart of the Quarts de Chaume appellation, and gives its name to the appellation. Ivan Massonnat now produces dry white wines here. Loam and clay soil on schists. This comes from a vineyard on pure schist in the historic centre of the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, whose name derives from it. Richly textured but with underlying tension and a delicate finish. Lovely notes of menthol and aniseed. What is so remarkable about this superb wine is how its density deploys into a sensation of vibrant verticality. Drinking Window 2025 - 2035.
93 points
Yohan Castaing - DecanterOne of a series of dry wines from within the Quarts de Chaume zone, this originates from Les Quarts, where the soils lie over schist, and the slope ranges from 10% to 20%. This is a serious step up from Ronceray and Rouères (the fourth cuvée, Veau, was not produced in this inaugural vintage), with an intense nose, focused and mineral, laser-like in its quality and definition, searing with the smoky and pungent scents of citrus and ripe orchard fruits. There is great harmony on the palate, where the wines shows energy and freshness, a tense and very correct style, supporting supple, polished and medium-bodied fruit. A fragrant style overall, charming, with a great, defined, upright energy. A long, minerally and defined finish, with brilliant lift and precision. Fabulous.
94-96 points
Chris Kissack - Winedoctor
