Chateau Bonnezeaux has fast become one of the Loire's cult winemakers producing dry Chenins from this famous sweet wine region in the Loire valley. Because of French wine laws they are labelled with the humble Vin de France label!
The Chateau dates back to the 19th century but was neglected and abandoned for 30 years before Guyonne Saclier de la Bâtie took over in 2012, when she restored 3 hectares of Chenin Blanc vines in the heart of the Bonnezeaux appellation, guided by biodynamic principles and careful replanting. Winemaker Pierre Boisseau took over in 2019 and acquired another 3 hectares. Fruit is hand-harvested and crushed in a traditional mechanical press. employing a low-intervention approach—fermentations are spontaneous, and the wines are bottled without fining, filtration.
In the cellar, the philosophy is hands-off. Grapes are picked by hand, pressed gently, and fermented using only natural yeasts. The wines age in used oak barrels, and minimum sulphur additions resulting in a wide spectrum of aromas and elements.
2020 Chateau Bonnezeaux Chenin Coqueries offers a complex Chenin Blanc with ripe pear, golden apple, and quince aromas. Its creamy texture balances rich orchard fruit with fresh saline minerality. Subtle spice and a delicate mineral finish make it enjoyable now and promising for the next 5–7 years.
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