Anjou Noir, Domaine Belargus

Anjou Noir takes its name from the soils it is composed of, dark with veins of black charcoal dating back to some 500 Millions years ago. The climate is temperate and can be Mediterranean in some localities, with a caressing sun on the slopes facing south during the day and humidity during the nights due to the proximity to the Loire river. These conditions provide the ideal environment for the noble rot botrytis to develop and shape authentic, vertical, sharp, and aromatic Chenins representative of each place and plot they are grown on. In addition, the vines are rooted in schist and chalk soils, providing a unique natural acidity that is the backbone of the wines. Due to its underdog appellation status, many would consider Anjou Noir entry-level, but it is a wine with undeniable character and precision. If the entry-level wine has such quality, this makes you wonder which heights the single vineyards and grand cru wines from the Domaine can reach.

TASTING NOTE

Anjou Noir delivers aromas of green apples, white peaches, white flowers, orange zest, sandalwood, blossoms, and lemon rind. The palate is bright and compact with natural mineral acidity, and the texture is silky and aerial with no fuss. It is precise, concise, and chiseled. Anjou Noir is a frank wine revealing both the character of this noble grape of Chenin and the terroir of Loire Valley. The wine is enjoyable now and evolves nicely over a few days after opening as it can develop more roundness and orange fruit flavors.

ABOUT THE WINERY

Belargus is the name of a small blue butterfly, local to Loire Valley despite not being found in these latitudes, witnessing the uniqueness of the terroirs in this area. Here stands a unique patchwork of vineyards and villages known as Anjou Noir, where the only Grand Cru of the region, Quarts de Chaumes, is located. It has been producing wines that have astonished wine lovers and connoisseurs for centuries.