Domaine de Montgilet - La Croisée des Schistes - Anjou Blanc 2025
In Juigné-sur-Loire, south of Angers, Domaine de Montgilet continues a family history closely linked to the landscapes of the Anjou noir. Since acquiring its first vines at the end of the 19th century, several generations of the Lebreton family have gradually built a vineyard spread over the hills overlooking the Aubance valley. Here, limestone gives way to the ancient schists of the Armorican Massif, whose various geological formations give the wines a personality quite distinct from the Chenins of Saumur or Touraine. The proximity of the Loire, the influence of the Aubance, and the mild Anjou climate create favorable conditions for the regular ripening of the grapes. Attached to its origins, the family favors viticulture attentive to soil life and the diversity of its terroirs. La Croisée des Schistes illustrates this philosophy through a range of wines that highlight the main grape varieties of the region and their relationship with this particular geology.
Made exclusively from Chenin blanc, this cuvée draws its character from the schist soils of Anjou noir. These ancient rocks, capable of accumulating heat during the day and gradually releasing it, contribute to the ripening of the grapes and promote the production of wines combining body and freshness. The estate seeks a sufficiently advanced maturity to develop the full aromatic palette of Chenin without losing the tension that is one of the main attractions of this grape variety. The 2025 vintage thus offers a new interpretation of this balance between fruit richness and liveliness. La Croisée des Schistes differs from the estate's parcel-specific cuvées by an approach that favors the general identity of the schist terroirs rather than the expression of a particular lieu-dit. Its profile rests on the natural fleshiness of Chenin, a structuring acidity, and a slight bitterness that contributes to the persistence of great Anjou whites. Together, they compose a dry wine whose interest lies as much in its aromatic frankness as in its texture.
In its youth, La Croisée des Schistes 2025 should present a pale yellow color with bright reflections, accompanied by an aromatic range evoking fresh apple, pear, citrus fruits, and white flowers. With aeration, nuances of quince and yellow-fleshed fruits could enrich this expression, characteristic of Chenin harvested at good maturity. On the palate, the wine is expected to have a soft and fruity attack, quickly followed by acidity that brings relief and balances the generosity of the body. A discreet bitterness, reminiscent of citrus zest, should accompany the finish and enhance the sensation of freshness. This combination of volume and tension precisely constitutes the gastronomic appeal of dry Chenins from the Anjou schists. It will pair well with seared scallops, pike-perch with beurre blanc, creamy poultry, or lightly aged goat cheese. Served around 10 to 12 °C, it can be appreciated in its youth for the brightness of its fruit or kept for a few years to develop more evolved aromatic nuances.
Grape variety: 100% Chenin blanc
