2021 La Grande Pièce – Château de Plaisance.
Hidden in the heart of Anjou noir, on the renowned terroirs of Chaume, Quart de Chaume, and Savennières, Château de Plaisance epitomizes the fusion of tradition, innovation, and authenticity. This historic estate, committed to organic farming since 1995 and biodynamic practices since 2008, offers wines that narrate a story of passion, patience, and place.
In this review we are discussing on of their single vineyards Chenin’s, a dry Chenin Blanc, the 2021 La Grande Pièce.
About the Winery
Château de Plaisance’s story is one of renewal, revitalized under the stewardship of Vanessa Cherruau in 2019. Her vision transcends conventional winemaking, aiming to produce wines that resonate with emotion and authenticity. With a focus on preserving the unique characteristics of the land, Vanessa’s approach blends technical mastery with a deep respect for nature.
Château de Plaisance offers a diverse portfolio of 11 cuvées, highlighted by its dry Chenin Blancs. These are complemented by two cuvées of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, a sparkling wine, and the estate’s acclaimed sweet wines, produced only in exceptional years. Each bottle embodies the essence of the terroir, the passion of the team, and the vision of the winemaker.
About the Vineyards and Winemaking
Château de Plaisance’s 25-hectare vineyard, predominantly planted with Chenin Blanc (80%), thrives on the diverse soils of schist, spilite, sandstone, and pudding stone. The remaining 20% consists of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, cultivated exclusively on the Butte de Chaume. The estate’s commitment to organic and biodynamic farming, alongside its LPO certification, underscores its dedication to environmental stewardship.
Winemaking at Château de Plaisance is an art form, emphasizing minimal intervention and natural processes. The Guillot-Poussard pruning method, meticulous soil management, and adherence to lunar cycles ensure the health and balance of the vines. In the cellar, each cuvée is crafted with precision, using minimal additives to preserve the wine’s purity and terroir expression.
About the Wine
The 2021 La Grande Pièce is a testament to meticulous winemaking. The Chenin Blanc grapes are hand-harvested from the unique soils of sandstone and pudding stone, which create a solar effect on the vines, enhancing their intensity and concentration. The grapes undergo slow cold pressing, followed by fermentation with native yeasts and partial malolactic fermentation, ensuring the preservation of their natural complexity and character.
The wine is then vinified and aged for 15 months in a combination of barrels and stoneware jars, imparting subtle oak influences and a creamy texture without overshadowing the wine’s inherent brightness and minerality.
La Grande Pièce greets the eye with a bright, golden hue, hinting at its rich complexity and vibrant character. On the nose, the wine reveals a flinty, reduced bouquet with captivating aromas of vanilla pod, ripe grapefruit, and orchard fruits intermingled with delicate spring flowers. These scents are complemented by subtle notes of roasted agave and quince, adding layers of intrigue to its aromatic profile.
The palate is a masterclass in balance and finesse. The initial impression is fleshy and enveloping, with flavors of lemon, apple, and almond croissant pastry taking center stage. This richness is beautifully counterbalanced by incisive acidity and a linear structure, reminiscent of a train on a track. The wine’s leesy and rich texture, underscored by lanolin and sun tea notes, enhances its complexity, while a waxy texture adds depth and dimension.
The finish is long, mineral, and saline, with mouthwatering acidity and a pithy bitterness that brings structure and balance. It is a formidable close, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and sophistication.
The 2021 La Grande Pièce is a shining example of what Chenin Blanc from the Butte de Chaume can achieve, as we have seen before with the great wines of Domaine Belargus. With its excellent intensity, concentration, and persistence, this cuvée is both a celebration of its terroir and a testament to the skill of its winemakers. Whether enjoyed now or laid down to age, La Grande Pièce promises to deliver a remarkable tasting experience
We happily reward this wine with a 93-point DWA score.
Château de Plaisance is imported in the Netherlands by Wijnkooperij de Lange, and available through selected retail and hospitality partners. We enjoy this 2021 vintage of La Grande Pièce at Restaurant Copain in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Which we can highly recommend to lovers of good food and great wines.
Price: €47,10
Taste date: August 2024
Score: 93/100 DWA Score
Website: Château de Plaisance