# Anjou Blanc (2024)

- **Producer:** Domaine Thibaud Boudignon
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chenin Blanc
- **Region:** Loire, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €33
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lemon, pear, blossom, grapefruit, lime, toast, biscuit, butter

## About this wine

Domaine Thibaud Boudignon is located in the Loire Valley and produces benchmark expressions of dry Chenin Blanc. Originally from the Médoc and a former high-level judoka, winemaker Thibaud Boudignon trained at Château Olivier in Pessac-Léognan and Philippe Charlopin in Gevrey-Chambertin before founding his estate in 2009. His Anjou Blanc originates from 35 to 40-year-old vines grown in Anjou Noir on shallow, stony soils of grey schist, quartz, and volcanic rhyolite. The estate features an eco-friendly cellar equipped with a geothermal Canadian well system to regulate ambient cellar temperatures naturally.

## Interesting facts

- Winemaker Thibaud Boudignon is a former high-level judoka who trained in Bordeaux and Burgundy.
- The eco-friendly winery utilizes a geothermal Canadian well system for temperature control.
- The vines are rooted in 'Anjou Noir' on ancient dark schist and volcanic rhyolite soils.

## Food pairing

The crisp high acidity and refined texture of this dry Chenin Blanc cut effortlessly through rich beurre blanc and cream sauces while enhancing delicate white fish and shellfish. Its signature mineral drive creates a classic local synergy with Loire goat cheeses.

## Wine making process

Grapes are harvested entirely by hand in small crates with strict vineyard sorting. Fermentation begins spontaneously with native yeasts in temperature-controlled vessels following gentle whole-bunch pressing and natural cold settling. Malolactic fermentation is strictly blocked to maintain maximum acidity and tension. The wine ages on fine lees for 10 to 18 months in large French and Austrian oak barrels (228L to 750L) with minimal new oak usage and no lees stirring, and is bottled unfined and unfiltered with low sulfur additions.