Savennières AOC Le Bel Ouvrage 2020 Domaine Laureau

What kind of wine it is

Le Bel Ouvrage by Domaine Laureau is a dry white wine from the Savennières appellation made from Chenin Blanc. It stands out for its taut structure and mineral imprint, with a profile designed for precise evolution over time. The vinification aims to preserve varietal purity and aromatic complexity, with fermentation and no filtration, while the ageing process supports depth and longevity. On the palate, it combines freshness, concentration, and a savoury finish, offering a precise and layered tasting experience.

Where it comes from

This wine originates in the Loire Valley, in Anjou, in the Savennières subarea, a historical region for great Chenin Blanc whites. The Chambourcier and Devant le Moulin de Beaupréau plots are located on exposed slopes with a temperate, breezy climate. Silty sand soils and subsoils of rhyolite and schist promote drainage and deep roots, so the wine displays tension, salinity, and a distinct mineral texture, maintaining balance even in the warmest years.

How it's made

The grapes are harvested by hand with double selection, and after gentle pressing, only the heart of the press is used to obtain cleaner and more stable musts. Fermentation follows a low-intervention approach with no initial filtration to preserve integrity and complexity. Ageing continues for 12 months in barriques and 6 months in ceramic vats, a choice that combines controlled micro-oxygenation and aromatic precision, while preserving structure and aging potential.

Tasting notes

In the glass, it is bright, straw yellow with golden highlights. On the nose, you'll find smoky notes, hints of ripe yellow fruit, and a clear mineral touch of wet stone and schist. The palate is dry and deep, with pronounced acidity and a marked savouriness that leads the progression. The texture remains compact, with slight bitter hints and a long, clean, juicy finish, suitable for positive evolution in the bottle.

Food pairing

It pairs well with delicate but substantial dishes, where its structure supports textures and sauces without overpowering the seafood elements. It is ideal with lobster, buttered shellfish, and noble fish. Its savouriness and dry finish also complement slightly aged cheeses. Locally, it matches sandre au beurre blanc, while in Italian cuisine it pairs with seafood risotto or grilled langoustines, maintaining a balance between richness and vibrancy.

When to serve

This white is suitable for immediate consumption as well as for cellaring to achieve greater aromatic complexity and a broader texture. Serve between 10 and 12 °C in a large glass suitable for structured whites. A brief decanting enhances its smoky and mineral notes. It is perfect for seafood lunches, dinners with shellfish, or occasions that call for a technical, profound white wine. In good storage conditions, it can mature beneficially for several years.