Savennières AOC Le Bel Ouvrage 2018 Domaine Laureau

What kind of wine is it

Le Bel Ouvrage by Domaine Laureau is a dry white made from Chenin Blanc produced in Savennières, in the Loire Valley. The grapes are sourced from organic farming and offer a clean, environmentally conscious profile. The wine displays mineral tension, solid structure and a dry, persistent finish, with winemaking focused on aromatic precision and aging potential.

Where does it come from

This wine comes from Savennières, on the north bank of the Loire, in an area known for long-lived whites based on Chenin Blanc. The Chambourcier and Devant le Moulin de Beaupréau plots feature loamy sand soils with rhyolite and schist subsoils, elements that encourage drainage and mineral richness. The temperate climate with river influences and significant temperature variations supports regular ripening and stable acidity, essential for freshness and depth.

How is it produced

Grapes are hand-harvested, with selection of the best bunches and the heart of the press to obtain concentrated musts. Fermentation takes place without filtration to preserve aromatic complexity. Aging involves 12 months in barrique and a further 6 months in ceramic vessels, a choice that limits oxidation and preserves varietal clarity. This process gives the wine a solid structure and a natural aptitude for aging.

Tasting notes

To the eye, Le Bel Ouvrage appears bright, with straw yellow hues that sometimes turn golden. The bouquet offers smoky notes, austere mineral accents and hints of yellow fruit. On the palate, it shows a salty and deep texture, with well-integrated acidity and slight bitter nuances that extend the finish, which is both dry and persistent.

Food pairings

This Chenin Blanc pairs well with delicate yet structured dishes, such as lobster, shellfish and fine fish. It is also excellent with lightly aged cheeses and dishes from the Loire Valley, like pike-perch with beurre blanc. In Italian cuisine, it complements seafood risotto or herb-roasted chicken, enhancing the wine’s savoriness and structure.

When to serve it

Le Bel Ouvrage is perfect for those seeking a dry and structured white for seafood lunches or classic dinners. Serve well-chilled, between 10 and 12°C, to highlight its tension and aromatic details. A short decanting supports the development of its aromas. Thanks to its acidity and structure, this wine is enjoyable now or can age to progressively increase in complexity.