Vin de France Chenin Blanc La Minée Haute 2022 Château de Bonnezeaux

What type of wine is it

Chenin Blanc La Minée Haute from Château de Bonnezeaux is a dry white wine from the Loire Valley made from Chenin Blanc grapes. The style is taut and precise, with well-defined freshness, balanced structure, and a clear mineral imprint. Spontaneous fermentation and aging in French oak provide depth without weighing down the sip. It shows versatility, suitable both at the table and for a period of bottle aging.

Where it comes from

The grapes come from the La Minée Haute parcel, at the foot of a scarcely inhabited valley in the Loire Valley. The vineyard benefits from a temperate climate with significant temperature variations and good ventilation, factors that enhance acidity and aromatic precision. The schist and gravel soils ensure drainage and mineral richness, while the vineyard management protects the identity of the site.

How it is produced

Harvesting aims to obtain healthy and ripe grapes, balancing the typical concentration and freshness of Chenin Blanc. In the cellar, spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts enhances the character of the vineyard. Aging for about twelve months in French oak barrels allows controlled evolution, without filtration or added sulfites, thus preserving integrity and complexity. This choice requires careful storage.

Tasting notes

It appears a deep straw yellow with golden highlights. On the nose, notes of ripe yellow-fleshed fruit, white flowers, and honey emerge, with mineral nuances reminiscent of the schistous soil. On the palate it is dry, medium-bodied, with lively acidity and distinct minerality. The texture is orderly, the persistence long, with a clean and savory finish.

Best pairings

Perfect with fish dishes and shellfish, where acidity and savoriness enhance the sweetness of the meat. Excellent with soft cheeses that are not overly aged, maintaining balance without overpowering the milky notes. Locally, it pairs with a seafood platter or sandre au beurre blanc and adapts well to dishes with light sauces and gentle cooking.

When to serve it

Ideal when looking for a precise dry white, suitable from aperitif to a full seafood meal. The recommended serving temperature is between 10 and 12 °C. A brief time in a decanter helps express the aromatic components and integrate the oak. Thanks to its acidity and oak aging, it can remain in the cellar for several years, retaining definition and complexity if kept away from light and heat.