Pascal Janvier Coteaux du Loir Blanc '24

The Coteaux du Loir is one of the smallest and least familiar appellations of the Loire Valley. Located along the Loir River, a tributary of the Loire, it sits north of the better-known regions of Vouvray and Montlouis and has a distinctly cool growing climate. Fewer than 200 hectares remain under vine, planted primarily to Chenin Blanc and the indigenous red variety Pineau d’Aunis. The combination of clay, limestone, sand, and silex produces Chenin with bright acidity and a pronounced mineral character.

Pascal Janvier never planned to become a winegrower. Although his parents owned vineyards, they sold their grapes, and Pascal initially trained as a butcher. At the age of thirty, he changed direction and studied viticulture in Amboise before establishing his domaine in 1991. Today, Pascal and his wife, Dominique, farm 66 individual parcels totaling approximately nine hectares. Their work has played an important role in the revival of both Coteaux du Loir and the smaller neighboring appellation of Jasnières.

The 2023 Coteaux du Loir Blanc is made entirely from Chenin Blanc, traditionally known here as Pineau de la Loire. The fruit comes from a 1.4 hectare parcel of roughly 15 year old vines planted on clay soils. After harvest, the grapes are slowly pressed for two hours. The juice settles for 12 to 24 hours before fermentation, with temperatures carefully monitored to preserve the wine’s freshness. Following fermentation, the wine is racked and aged on its fine lees in stainless steel for several months before bottling.

This is a dry, aromatic expression of Chenin Blanc, with notes of pear, lemon zest, clove, and wet stone. The palate has a gentle texture balanced by lively acidity, finishing clean, flinty, and refreshing. This is a terrific value in Loire Chenin and an excellent match with pan-roasted halibut with lemon and herbs.