Savennières Le Bel Ouvrage Domaine Laureau 2014

Lot presentation

Savennières Le Bel Ouvrage Domaine Laureau 2014

The wine

This cuvée owes its complexity to the blend of two separate parcels, Chambourcier and Devant le Moulin, each rooted in different soils, one on rhyolite subsoils and the other on exposed schist. The union of Chenin grapes from these contrasting terroirs produces an expression that is both fleshy and lively. Biodynamically farmed since 2012, the grapes are hand-harvested in multiple passes and pressed in whole clusters, with each parcel vinified separately. Following a 12-hour settling period, native yeasts initiate fermentation, which can last up to a year. The wine then matures for twelve months on lees in barriques, undergoing full malolactic conversion, before spending an additional six months ageing in vats.
Le Bel Ouvrage reveals a generous bouquet of tropical fruits with pineapple, lime, and grapefruit notes lifted by delicate floral touches. On the palate, it is powerful and well-structured, balanced by bright acidity that brings freshness and energy. A lovely touch of bitterness lingers on the finish.

Domaine Laureau is located in the Loire Valley, not far from Angers, and has been part of the winemaking landscape for over 20 years. This is where Damien Laureau cultivates six hectares of Chenin, converted to organic farming since 2012.
Absolutely no synthetic products come into play in this vineyard. Life develops naturally underground helping to retain the purest expression of the terroir. Manual work performed in the vineyard further reinforces this ethos. Several successive passes are conducted to harvest the Chenin grapes, which are then left to settle for around 12 hours. Once fermentation using native yeasts is complete, the cuvées are matured on the lees for 18 to 24 months, gradually increasing the wine’s roundness and aromatic richness.
Damien recently planted half a hectare of vines in a closed vineyard overlooking the region. This promises further authentic cuvées reflecting the peaceful harmony achieved between the winemaker and the life of his land.