Christian
and Sylvie Plessis-Termeau, Moulin de Chauvigné (1992)
This
husband and wife team created their domaine, based around an old windmill
on the hillside just above Rochefort-sur-Loire in the early 1990s.
Christian, who tends the vines is an Angevin,
whilst Sylvie, is a native of
‘Le
Clos Brocard’ has existed as a stand alone wine since the first harvest
in 1992, and a second, generic Savennières was introduced in 1994. Both
cuvées are vinified in tank; there is no wood at all in the cellar.
Sylvie also offers her Savennières en
vrac to private customers prior to bottling the balance in April. The
malolactic fermentation is generally avoided.
The
Wines:
For
those who want to explore the more traditional, unoaked style of Savennières,
then these wines offer a good introduction. They are clean and fresh but
also quite distinctive with all the wines appearing to have a
characteristic clove-like flavour profile.
2009 Clos Brochard
Light, clean and estery, retaining a primary nose and palate. Pithy finish
and decent acid balance but otherwise simple and non-descript. Authentic
but lightweight. (02/11)
2008
Clos Brochard
Very clean and primary nose. Mineral and pure. Good Chenin expression to
the palate, although lacks the character one would like to see from
Savennières. Well balanced, early drinking style and not for the long
haul. This could be a well made Anjou Blanc and there is little to
distinguish the wine from any other well made Chenin from a more modest
appellation. (02/10)
2006
Savennières
Pale
straw appearance. Tight and mineral nose with a distinct aroma of cloves.
The palate is taut and chalky textured. Quite simple, but builds well. Mid
weight and approachable now, although should age a few more years. (02/08)
2006
Clos Brochard
Bright.
Mid-depth straw/yellow appearance. Richer, riper and more concentrated and
intense, but retains a characteristic nose of cloves. Dry and austere on
entry; this is a true and traditional expression of Savennières. Builds
well on the palate. Textured with linear acidity through to the finish.
Powerful for a wine raised in tank. Chalky, with good length.
Approachable, but shows potential to age. Nervous and serious. (02/08)
2005
Clos Brochard
Pale
straw appearance. Quite open with an intense nose of cloves. Clean and
fresh on entry, but a touch hollow on the mid palate. Good linear acidity
to the finish. Still pretty closed and ideally needs more time in bottle.
This shows promise. (02/08)
2004
Clos Brochard
Sylvie
& Christian Plessis-Termeau
Rochefort-sur-Loire
T:
+33 2 41 78 86 56
F:
+33 2 41 78 86 56
www.lemoulindechauvigne.com