Domaine Belargus : Rouères 2022

Characteristics and tasting notes for the 2022 Rouères from Domaine Belargus

Tasting notes

Nose
The bouquet reveals great complexity, blending floral notes with touches of gentian and fine spices. It expresses an aromatic profile that is both fleshy, dense and deeply distinctive.

Palate
The attack unveils a magnificent texture, marked by a generous roundness and a muscular matter. Balance is achieved through impressive freshness and a noble bitterness. The remarkably long finish is elevated by a delicate salinity typical of its terroir and a subtle hint of menthol.

Serving and cellaring
Built for long bottle ageing, this 2022 Rouères can be fully enjoyed between approximately 2025 and 2035.

The power and precision of a dry white wine from Anjou

The estate
Founded in 2018 by Ivan Massonnat, the current owner and manager, Domaine Belargus has quickly established itself as an essential reference in the Loire Valley. Spanning 24 hectares at the heart of the Anjou noir, the estate is dedicated exclusively to exploring local micro-climates through a single grape variety. Certified organic since 2022 and in conversion to biodynamics, the estate cultivates a philosophy deeply respectful of living things, symbolised by the rare blue butterfly that gives it its name.

The vineyard
This cuvée comes from the historic lieu-dit "Les Rouères", a plot of nearly three hectares nestled on the famous Loire hillside of Quarts-de-Chaume Grand Cru. Facing south-east on slopes of 10 to 30%, the vines, planted between 1979 and 1985, thrive on shallow clay-loam soils resting on "puddingstones". These conglomerates of gravel and sand store daytime heat and release it at night, giving the grapes exceptional ripeness while naturally limiting yields.

The vintage
The climatic conditions of 2022 were particularly favourable for the development of noble rot on the hillside. Manual harvesting was carried out over several passes, allowing an early picking of semi-botrytised bunches for the production of this dry wine.

Winemaking and ageing
The making of the 2022 Rouères begins with fermentation carried out by indigenous yeasts until the sugars are fully converted, followed by complete malolactic fermentation. The wine then undergoes extended ageing of 17 months on fine lees, without systematic bâtonnage or racking, split between demi-muids and French oak barrels. To preserve the full integrity and depth of the material, bottling is carried out without any fining, with only very light filtration.

Grape variety
100% Chenin Blanc