VDF Touraine-Amboise "Bel Air" (White) 2022

A reimagining of Chenin from the Touraine. Fresh, energetic and fruity. This is the entry-level Chenin from the domaine, and it’s a delicious, easy-drinking style that shows the beauty of Chenin Blanc from limestone terroir with careful winemaking.

Damien and Coralie Delecheneau, the winemaking team behind La Grange Tiphaine, have played a pivotal role in the revival of quality wines from the Touraine. Their first wines were Chenin Blanc, and they have been devoted to showing different expressions of this versatile grape with their range. The name translates to “beautiful place”, an apt description of the site in Amboise with these old chenin vines on rolling hills surrounded by the Loire river and Renaissance chateaux. Note: Normally Bel Air is from the appellation Touraine-Amboise, but the 2021 vintage used some grapes from outside the Amboise parcel (in Montlouis-Sur-Loire), so this wine is classified as Vin De France.

Vinification: A mix of young and up to 70-year-old Chenin vines planted in limestone covered by one meter of red clay. Grapes are hand harvested and gently pressed. Natural fermentation. Aged for five months on the lees in concrete tank. Note:

Match it with: An excellent aperitif, or alongside grilled fish, vegetable dishes or lightly grilled poultry.