Le Fief Noir Anjou Blanc 'Cartelles' 2022

Bound by devout dedication to these northern lands as well as the
communal hands needed to produce world-class wines, winemakers
Dominique Sirot and Alexis Soulas have put their heart, soul and
extensive knowledge into capturing the power and finesse of Anjou’s
mineral-rich, “noir” soils in every bottle. All farming at Fief Noir is
organically and biodynamically guided, with the goal of bringing “the
flow of sap right into the glass.” Their wines, marked by a riveting
freshness and luminous character, set a new standard not just for Anjou
but also for the Loire Valley.
WINERY: Domaine Le Fief Noir
WINEMAKERS: Dominique Sirot and Alexis Soulas
ESTABLISHED: 2014
REGION: FRANCE • Loire Valley • Saint Lambert du Lattay
APPELLATION: Anjou AOC
BLEND: 100% Chenin Blanc
VINEYARDS: A single-vineyard selection from ‘Cartelles,’ a terroir rich in
white sand and quartz stone, an unusual mix for the region, with subsoils of
schist. Facing southeast for sunny wines, more concentration.
AGE OF VINES: 45 years
WINEMAKING: Hand-harvested. Pressed directly; fermented on indigenous
yeasts in tank. Aged 80% in terracotta jars and 20% in older French oak
barrels for 12 months. Unfined.
TASTING IMPRESSIONS: Aromas suggest yellow peaches and apricots,
fresh almond. Textured and rich, powerful; good stony freshness on finish
PAIRING SUGGESTIONS: As an aperitif; roasted chicken with fresh herbs;
regional goat cheese; French pâté with green peppercorns