Lena Filliatreau Saumur Blanc '23

Saumur sits in the Middle Loire, where the region’s signature tuffeau limestone (the pale, chalky stone you see in local caves and hillside cellars) leaves a clear imprint on the wines. In the glass, that often translates to Chenin Blanc that feels both bright and grounded—fresh orchard fruit on top, with a quiet, stony “cut” underneath. Saumur Blanc is one of the Loire’s great values for dry Chenin: expressive, mineral-leaning, and built for the table.

The Filliatreau family is a classic Saumur name, rooted in the area and known for clean, terroir-driven wines. This bottling is also personal: “Lena” is named for Paul Filliatreau’s wife, a nod to the family spirit behind what they do. The style here is about clarity and precision rather than makeup—letting Chenin and limestone do the talking.

For the 2023 “Lena”, the wine is 100% Chenin Blanc, sourced from a single nearby grower with certified-sustainable vines, with Filliatreau handling the harvest themselves. The clusters are direct-pressed, then fermented bone-dry with native yeasts in stainless steel. It stays on fine lees in tank until the spring after the vintage, building texture and depth while keeping the profile crisp and pure.

Flavor-wise, this is classic Saumur Chenin: green apple, quince, and citrus peel, with a subtle lanolin/beeswax hint and a distinctly chalky, limestone-driven finish. It’s energetic but not sharp—there’s real mid-palate presence from the lees. Pair it with grilled white fish with thyme butter.