Savennières AOC Le Bel Ouvrage 2020 Domaine Laureau

What type of wine is it

Le Bel Ouvrage from Domaine Laureau is a dry white wine from the Savennières appellation, made from Chenin Blanc. It stands out for its vivid 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 supports depth and longevity. The sip combines freshness, concentration and a savoury finish, offering a precise and multi-layered tasting experience.

Where does it come from

This wine originates in the Loire Valley, in Anjou, within the Savennières subzone, a historic area for great Chenin Blanc whites. The Chambourcier and Devant le Moulin de Beaupréau parcels lie on exposed slopes with a temperate, breezy climate. The soils of silty sands and subsoils of rhyolite and schist promote drainage and deep roots, giving the wine tension, salinity and a distinct mineral weave, ensuring balance even in warmer years.

How it is produced

The grapes follow the principles of organic farming and are handpicked with double selection. After gentle pressing, only the best parts are used to obtain the purest, most stable musts. Fermentation is low-intervention and unfiltered at first, to preserve integrity and complexity. Ageing continues for 12 months in barrique and 6 months in ceramic vessels, a choice that combines controlled micro-oxygenation and aromatic precision, protecting structure and ageing potential.

Tasting notes

Appears bright, straw yellow with golden highlights. On the nose, smoky notes emerge, hints of ripe yellow fruits, and a clear mineral signature reminiscent of wet stone and schist. The palate is dry and deep, with well-present acidity and pronounced savouriness that drives the progression. The texture is compact, with slight bitter returns and a long, clean, juicy finish, suitable for positive bottle evolution.

Food Pairings

It pairs with delicate yet substantial dishes, where the structure supports textures and sauces without overpowering the marine component. Ideal with lobster, buttered shellfish and noble fish. Its savoury character and dry finish also match with slightly aged cheeses. Locally, it pairs with sandre au beurre blanc, while in Italian cuisine, it is excellent with seafood risotto or grilled scampi, maintaining balance between richness and liveliness.

When to serve it

This white is suited for immediate consumption and cellaring for those seeking greater aromatic complexity and a broader texture. Serve between 10 and 12 °C in a large glass suited to structured whites. A brief decant enhances the smoky and mineral notes. Perfect for seafood lunches, dinners with shellfish, and occasions calling for a technical and profound white. In good storage conditions, it can mature beneficially for several years.