Domaine Belargus : Quarts 2020

Characteristics and tasting tips for Domaine Belargus Quarts 2020

Tasting

Appearance
The appearance reveals a pale yellow hue with golden highlights.

Nose
The nose is pure and delicate, expressing aromas of bergamot, acacia and Sicilian lemon accompanied by toasted almond. The intense bouquet also unveils notes of stone fruits and white flowers punctuated by mineral nuances contributed by the schists. Upon aeration, touches of fennel, white pepper, lemon oil and crushed rock enrich the aromatic palette.

Palate
The attack is full of energy, carried by stimulating and finely saline floral flavors. The fruit expresses itself with slight maturity through flavors of flat peach, apricot and orange zest harmonized with notes of white flowers and aromatic herbs. The decidedly silky texture leads to a dense palate, structured by fine acidity and delicate tannins. The long and aromatic finish is distinguished by a slight bitterness contributed by the Precambrian schists, conferring complexity and remarkable length.

Food and wine pairings

This dry white wine pairs perfectly with grilled fish, seafood, refined vegetarian dishes or matured goat cheeses. It also complements truffled poultry, dishes with butter sauces, braised white meats, fried foods as well as blue cheeses.

Service and cellaring

The Quarts 2020 can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve until approximately 2040, or even 2042.

A dry Chenin Blanc from Anjou combining power and finesse on Precambrian schists

The estate

Founded in 2018 by Ivan Massonnat, Domaine Belargus today spans twenty-four hectares in the Loire region. This estate was born from the acquisition of Domaine Pithon-Paillé, completed by the purchase of plots in the Quarts-de-Chaume Grand Cru and in Savennières. Under the direction of Ivan Massonnat, assisted by Cellar Master Adrien Moreau and Vineyard Manager Amaury Chartier, the estate practices biodynamic viticulture across all its vines. Belargus has quickly established itself as a reference in the Anjou Noir, restoring the historic prestige of these ancient terroirs through a plot-based approach inspired by Burgundy.

The vineyard

The Quarts 2020 comes from the Les Quarts lieu-dit within the Quarts-de-Chaume appellation in Anjou. This historic plot, which gave its name to the appellation, benefits from a south-facing exposure on Precambrian schists. These soils bring finesse and length to the wines. The estate controls 3.08 hectares on this exceptional terroir located in the Anjou Noir, a region characterized by a complex geological mosaic. The vines are managed using biodynamic agriculture with yields voluntarily limited to approximately thirty-five hectoliters per hectare.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage is characterized by remarkable balance. The mild and rainy winter replenished water reserves. Spring saw a few frost episodes, which were managed thanks to protection measures. The dry and sunny summer did not cause water stress thanks to the accumulated reserves, with the vines maintaining bright green foliage. Fine and regular rains arriving in mid-August allowed the grapes to continue ripening for two additional weeks. The harvest took place under radiant sunshine, beginning on August 31st with a one-week pause to await optimal maturity. The grapes reached perfect balance with moderate alcohol levels, between 12.5% and 13.5%, lower than the average of recent years.

Winemaking and aging

The harvest for Quarts 2020 was carried out manually in several successive passes to select grapes at optimal maturity, reflecting the natural heterogeneity of Chenin Blanc. After pressing, the wine was aged for twenty-six months in 600-liter demi-muids on total lees. This method of prolonged aging in large containers preserves the purity of the fruit while adding complexity and structure to the wine.

Grape variety

100% Chenin Blanc