Château Pierre-Bise Sur Schistes 2021

Château Pierre-Bise, located in the heart of the Loire Valley, is renowned for its dedication to terroir-driven wines, particularly those crafted from Chenin Blanc. Owned and operated by the Papin family, the estate is located in the Anjou region, specifically in the Coteaux du Layon appellation. Their "Sur Schistes" cuvée is sourced from vineyards planted on schist soils, which bring a distinctive minerality and structure to the wine. Known for producing both dry and sweet Chenin Blancs, Château Pierre-Bise focuses on expressing the unique character of their diverse terroirs, using organic and biodynamic practices in the vineyard.

The 2021 vintage was a cooler year in the Loire, with lower yields but excellent concentration and freshness in the wines. For the "Sur Schistes," the focus is on producing a dry Chenin Blanc with vibrant acidity and an intense mineral backbone, showcasing the unique properties of the schist soils.

Appearance: Pale gold with bright, luminous highlights, indicating freshness and youth.

Aroma: Aromas of ripe green apple, quince, and pear, underscored by floral notes of honeysuckle and chamomile. There’s a distinctive mineral edge of wet stone and flint, along with hints of citrus zest and a subtle waxy character.

Taste: Crisp and precise, with flavours of green apple, lemon zest, and white peach, balanced by a stony, saline minerality. The wine shows a lively acidity that cuts through the richness of the fruit, giving it a taut, linear profile. There’s also a subtle honeyed note, adding complexity, but the focus remains on purity and freshness.

Finish: Long and refreshing, with persistent notes of citrus, pear, and a clean, mineral-driven finish. The vibrant acidity leaves the palate tingling, inviting another sip.

Food Pairing: This Chenin Blanc pairs beautifully with goat’s cheese tart, where the acidity complements the creaminess and the minerality enhances the earthy flavours. It would also be an excellent match for pan-fried scallops with lemon and herbs, where the wine’s crispness and citrus notes mirror the dish’s brightness while cutting through its richness.