Alcohol: 13.5%
Grape(s): 100% Chenin Blanc
Location: Montlouis-sur-Loire, Loire Valley, France
Tasting Notes: Pale yellow with delicate silvery reflections, this beautifully expressive dry Chenin Blanc opens with enticing aromas of crisp green apple, ripe pear, quince, and fresh citrus, complemented by fragrant white flowers and subtle mineral notes. On the palate, it is vibrant, precise, and wonderfully textured, revealing layers of juicy orchard fruits, lemon zest, and delicate floral complexity. Bright acidity provides remarkable freshness and energy, while a generous, rounded mouthfeel adds depth and elegance. A distinctive flinty minerality and subtle saline character carry through to a long, refreshing finish. A beautifully balanced Loire Valley white that combines richness, purity, and exceptional drinkability.
Notes: Crafted exclusively from Chenin Blanc grown in the Clos Maîtrise, a monopole vineyard belonging to Domaine Damien Moyer. Planted in 1957, this exceptional vineyard features clay and flint soils, locally known as "Perruche," which contribute distinctive mineral character, concentration, and freshness. The estate has long practiced organic viticulture and received official organic certification in 2023. Vineyard work includes natural grass cover, careful pruning, and sustainable soil management, while all grapes are harvested by hand in small crates and undergo two rounds of sorting. Following gentle pneumatic pressing, the wine ferments naturally with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks for approximately five months, preserving the purity of the fruit and terroir. The wine is completely dry, with zero grams of residual sugar, and is transferred by gravity before being bottled at the estate. The result is a wonderfully authentic, mineral-driven Montlouis that beautifully showcases the versatility and elegance of Chenin Blanc.
Food Pairing: An outstanding companion to fresh seafood, seared scallops, grilled salmon, smoked trout, and roasted white fish with lemon butter sauce. Its vibrant acidity and generous texture also complement shrimp, oysters, asparagus, roasted vegetables, and herb-roasted chicken. For a traditional Loire Valley pairing, enjoy with pike quenelles, sautéed frog legs, or smoked eel. Cheese lovers will appreciate its beautiful affinity for fresh and aged goat cheeses, particularly Sainte-Maure de Touraine, Selles-sur-Cher, and Valençay. Equally delightful as an aperitif or alongside a light, elegant meal.
Winery Story: Domaine Damien Moyer is a historic family-owned wine estate located in the village of Husseau, in the heart of Montlouis-sur-Loire. The Moyer family's winemaking heritage dates back to 1850, spanning eight generations of passionate winegrowers dedicated to the region's exceptional terroir. After years of working alongside his father and brother, Damien Moyer began independently managing his vineyards and wines in 2011, developing his own distinctive approach to Chenin Blanc. Today, Damien and his wife, Marie-Claire, oversee approximately 8.5 hectares of organically farmed vineyards, including several prized monopole parcels. Dedicated exclusively to Chenin Blanc, Damien crafts expressive wines that emphasize freshness, energy, purity, and the individual character of each vineyard. His philosophy is refreshingly simple: wines should be vibrant, authentic, approachable, and above all, a pleasure to share. The "À la Source" cuvée perfectly embodies this vision, offering a pure and compelling expression of Montlouis terroir from mature vines rooted in the region's distinctive clay and flint soils.
