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.
Domaine Belargus Savennieres Gaudrets 2022
A group of plots located on the heights of the Savennières village, planted on sandy soils above black schist, “Les Gaudrets” embody the terroir profile most commonly found in the appellation area.
100% Chenin Blanc, this wine a blend of various plots in Savennieres and is a great introduction to the style of Belargus. The wine is shaped by it's ripeness and texture, with a slight bitterness on the finish. It has lifted aromas of lemon infused with brown sugar. Unctuous and compelling.
Mitch Milicich, FWC
Domaine Belargus Anjou Noir 2022
The 2022 Anjou Noir, primarily planted on soils of schists and puddingstones, reveals a slightly reduced, lively bouquet with aromas of almonds, white fruits, spring flowers and ripe orchard fruits intertwined with toasty hints. Medium to full-bodied, layered and supple, it’s a round, fleshy wine that will show well on release. The delicate bitterness on the finish will be perfect for gastronomy.
89-91 POINTS, YOHAN CASTAING, WINE ADVOCATE.
Domaine Belargus Anjou Gordone 2022
Coming from the best terroir of Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay. The wine is densely woven, has a salty minerality and smooth mouthfeel. An excellent Chenin with an imposing presence.
Domaine Belargus Anjou 'Ronceray' 2022
The 2022 Ronceray is derived from vines planted on the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation but vinified as dry white wine. It reveals a complex, deep bouquet with aromas of almonds, white flowers, orchard fruits and white pepper combined with a reductive character. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and satiny, it has a deep core of fruit that segues into a tense, gently austere finish. It’s matured in foudres and 500-liter barrels.
90-92 POINTS, YOHAN CASTAING, WINE ADVOCATE.
