The Story
White Wine of the Year 2024 (Proefschrift)ârecognition for a biodynamic producer who chose amphora aging during a warm vintage year. Jean-François RĂ©gnier took over at age 20 from his father, who converted to organic in 1992. The 16-hectare estate works 60+ year-old vines on Saumur's distinctive tuffeau (soft chalk) soils. Amphora aging adds lees-derived complexity without oak characterâthe negatively charged clay creates continuous lees interaction. The result shows crystalline transparency with mineral salinity characteristic of chalk terroir. This is visible winemaking ambition: ancient technique applied to modern expression. Exceptional aging potential; serve at 50-52°F with seafood or aged goat cheese.
Description
White Wine of the Year 2024 (Proefschrift)ârecognition for a biodynamic producer who chose amphora aging during a warm vintage year. Jean-François RĂ©gnier took over at age 20 from his father, who converted to organic in 1992. The 16-hectare estate works 60+ year-old vines on Saumur's distinctive tuffeau (soft chalk) soils. Amphora aging adds lees-derived complexity without oak characterâthe negatively charged clay creates continuous lees interaction. The result shows crystalline transparency with mineral salinity characteristic of chalk terroir. This is visible winemaking ambition: ancient technique applied to modern expression. Exceptional aging potential; serve at 50-52°F with seafood or aged goat cheese.
