Domaine Fournier Longchamps, Savennières La Croix Picot, 2022

Savennières is celebrated as the pinnacle of dry Chenin Blanc production, renowned for wines that exhibit remarkable precision, energy, and complexity. This small but prestigious appellation, encompassing just 145 hectares, lies southwest of Angers on the north bank of the Loire River, where vineyards thrive on soils composed of schist, clay, and slate.

The estate was established in 2007 when Philippe Fournier merged two historic properties, ushering in a new era of quality and sustainability. Since the acquisition, the vineyards have been converted to organic farming, with yields reduced to an impressively low 25 hl/ha. Harvesting has become more meticulous, involving multiple passes through the vines to ensure optimal ripeness, with all grapes hand-picked for precision.

La Croix Picot is sourced from a selection of the estate’s clay and schist vineyards. After fermentation, the wine is aged for 12 months in oak barrels, followed by an additional 6 months of refinement on fine lees in large oak vats. The result is a wine of exceptional depth, texture, and vitality, perfectly expressing the unique terroir of Savennières.