# La Lune (2024)

- **Producer:** La Ferme De La Sansonnière
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Chenin Blanc
- **Region:** Loire, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €63
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apple, quince, lemon, pear, peach, blossom, butter, cream, honey

## About this wine

La Lune is a benchmark natural dry Chenin Blanc produced by La Ferme De La Sansonnière in the Loire Valley. Originally established in 1989 by former stonemason Mark Angeli, the estate is now co-managed with his son Martial Angeli and winemaker Bruno Ciofi. Intentionally declassified from AOC Anjou Blanc to Vin de France to preserve full winemaking autonomy, the estate operates as a self-sustaining biodynamic farm incorporating livestock, orchards, and biodiversity.

## Interesting facts

- The cuvée was named 'La Lune' by winemaker Stéphane Bernaudeau because a main vineyard parcel is shaped like a crescent moon.
- The estate uses natural, unrefined volcanic sulfur mined from Mount Etna instead of commercial synthetic sulfites.
- The farm runs entirely on renewable energy, with vehicles powered by home-grown sunflower oil.

## Food pairing

The high electric acidity and deep textural weight of this natural dry Chenin Blanc cut through rich cream sauces and complement the tangy richness of goat cheeses. Its pure saline mineral line seamlessly elevates fresh seafood and roasted poultry.

## Wine making process

Harvested at restricted yields from un-tilled, biodynamic vineyards, the grapes undergo gentle direct pressing. Fermentation occurs spontaneously using indigenous wild yeasts with zero added sulfur dioxide. The wine ages on fine lees for 12 months in stoneware amphorae and 500L oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, it receives only a minimal addition of natural, unrefined volcanic sulfur sourced directly from Mount Etna.