Chateau de Bois-Brinçon Anjou Blanc Les Saules de Montbenault 2018
The aromatic finesse of Chenin takes on its full dimension with Les Saules de Montbenault. The minerality and freshness gain in complexity and intensity with time.
$495
The vintage
Winery
Château de Bois-BrinçonAppellation & Region
Anjou, Loire ValleyBlend
100% CheninSoil
Ryolites (volcanic rocks)Alcohol Content
13%Average age of vines
60 yearsVineyards & Vinification
Les Saules de Montbenault represents 0.80 hectares of Chenin on a terroir of rhyolites (volcanic rocks), in Faye d’Anjou. The planting density is high: 5000 vines per hectare, the yield small, 20 hectoliters per hectare. The harvest is manual and is done by sorting non-botrytized golden grapes.
Vinification: The bunches are placed whole in the pneumatic press. The pressing is slow, lasting 8 to 10 hours. Fermentation takes place in 400-litre barrels followed by aging in the same barrel. Aged 12 months in neutral barrel, and 6 months in cement tank.
The Winery
Situated in the heart of Anjou, Château de Bois-Brinçon is one of the region’s oldest vineyards. Founded in 1219 by the Saint Jean d’Angers hospital, it later came under the ownership of the Cailleau family in 1891 when Léon Cailleau purchased it. Today, the estate is stewarded by Xavier, a descendant of Léon, along with his wife Géraldine and their son Léandre — the sixth generation of the Cailleau family. Together, they farm their 24 hectares biodynamically, driven by a deep commitment to perpetuate tradition and reveal “the true face of the soil.”The Bois-Brinçon vineyards boast a rare diversity of soils and landscapes across six communes and eight distinct terroirs. What truly sets the estate apart is its “historical presence” of Chenin, Pineau d’Aunis, Grolleau, and Cabernet Franc, with vines averaging 50 years in age and some reaching up to 125 years.
With a dedication to capturing the unique character of each plot, Xavier meticulously practices plot-by-plot vinification. The resulting wines reflect this rich diversity, showcasing a unique character that is both graceful and complex.
