Domaine Belargus - hand crafted Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley

This 24-hectare estate (of which 21 were planted) located in and around Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay produces excellent wines from different, excellent soils. To create Domaine Belargus, Ivan Massonnat bought the rest of Domaine Jo Pithon as well as a part of Domaine Lafforcade, a significant producer of Quarts-de-Chaume. Labelled organic, the estate produced Savennières, Quarts-de-Chaume and Anjou wines. Massonat and his team practice biodynamic methods in some parcels, harvesting by hand and vinifying in stainless vats, followed by élevage in used barrels, new barrels, demi-muids and foudres.

The flagship is the Coteau des Treilles, a hillside that was resurrected in the late 1990s by Jo Pithon, facing south and overlooking the Layon River. Wines from this exceptional area are known for their depth, aroma and potential for graceful ageing. The 2022s have turned out nicely here, with certain cuvées capturing the vintage’s exotic aromas. Domaine Belargus is a reliable source of intense and pure wines, clearly reflecting their schist soils. Yohan Castaing - Wine Advocate.