La Grapperie La Belle Egarée 2021

La Grapperie La Belle Egarée 2021, a Chenin Blanc masterpiece hailing from the Loire Valley, France. Crafted by Renaud Guettier in the village of Bueil-en-Touraine, this wine exemplifies the region's esteemed terroir and the dedication of its producer.

A blend of Chenin Blanc from both young and old vines, this wine undergoes a traditional winemaking process, pressed straight to barrels for fermentation and aged for a year. The cooler vintage of 2021 has bestowed upon it impeccable balance and a classical style, characterized by hallmark notes of orchard fruits and stony minerals, all accentuated by a buoyant acidity.

Renaud Guettier's journey as a winemaker began with the purchase of half a hectare of old vines in 2004. Over the years, he has expanded his holdings to a few dozen plots across five hectares, with an average vine age of eighty years. Meticulously farming organically, Renaud tends to his vines without the use of chemicals or pesticides, ensuring the purity of his fruit.

The terroir of La Grapperie consists of clay, flint, and limestone soils, contributing to the unique character of the wines. Fermented and aged in a former quarry dug into limestone cliffs, Renaud's wines are a testament to his commitment to natural winemaking practices. Each wine undergoes a year or two of élevage in old wooden casks, allowing them to develop without any additives.

The result is wines of uncommon power, balance, and detail, with a remarkable ability to age. La Grapperie La Belle Egarée 2021 is a true expression of Renaud Guettier's passion and craftsmanship, offering a sensory journey through the heart of the Loire Valley.