L’Anjou Blanc, Château de Plaisance

Exceptional Chenin Blanc, from a rising star of the Loire

Château de Plaisance is the project of rising star Vanessa Cherruau. Taking over the biodynamic estate in 2019, Vanessa has 25 hectares of vineyards that straddle Chaume and Quarts de Chaume, where she produces bone dry Chenin from grapes otherwise intended for sweet wines.  The Plaisance estate has been certified organic since 1995, and Demeter certified Biodynamic since 2008. Since Vanessa took over the reins in 2019, she is working to go even further and the goal is to eventually achieve carbon neutrality. Lightweight glass bottles (550g), natural corks and plant based dyes are used for the wines, as well as recycled paper and cardboard. 

This is from a variety of parcels on the ‘Butte de Chaume’, predominantly from younger (10-12-year-old) vines and predominantly from schist soils. The depth and luxurious texture from these vines is absolutely astonishing and seems all the more remarkable when you know that the wine is fermented and aged only in stainless steel.  The resulting wine is textural and precise, with wonderfully balanced fruit and acidity. Ripe aromas of peach, nectarine and apricot, with honeyed notes.

Color – White
Producer – Château de Plaisance
Country – France
Region – Loire
Vegan – Yes
ABV – 11%
Grapes – Chenin Blanc
Vintage – 2023
Sustainability – Biodynamic, Organic
Female Winemaker – Yes
Food Pairings – Goats cheese, Fish Pie