La Roche de Mûrs 2019 - La Grange aux Belles

La Roche de Mûrs 2019 is the iconic Chenin Blanc cuvée from La Grange aux Belles. Born from a long-term project led by Marc Houtin and Julien Bresteau, it comes from a plot of just 1.2 hectares located in Mûrs-Érigné, on a spectacular hillside of black schist entirely replanted with massal selection Chenin vines starting in 2013. This exceptional terroir, considered one of the most promising in Anjou, gives rise to a wine of rare intensity.

Farmed organically, the vines are harvested by hand, and the grapes are pressed directly upon arrival at the winery. Fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts, and the wine is aged for 12 months in Stockinger barrels, renowned for their ability to preserve the purity of the fruit while adding depth and complexity.

The nose is complex and racy, mingling ripe pear, quince, candied citrus, white flowers, and stone fruit. With aeration, notes of gunflint, wet chalk, delicate honey, and dried herbs emerge, precisely reflecting the identity of the terroir.

The palate is impressive in its density and energy. The 2019 vintage offers ample, concentrated substance, immediately balanced by a vibrant mineral tension. Flavors of yellow fruit, citrus, and hot stone stretch toward a saline, deep, and persistent finish. This is a great wine for cellaring that will gain even more complexity over the years.

At the table, La Roche de Mûrs pairs perfectly with noble fish, shellfish, poultry in sauce, mushroom risottos, or fine aged cheeses.