In the glass
Aroma: quince, honeysuckle, yellow apple, wet stone
Palate: pear, lemon zest, beeswax, saline length
Dry Chenin Blanc from limestone parcels at Ligre. Orchard fruit, beeswax and a saline length: a rare white expression of Chinon's tuffeau soils.
What it pairs with
-
Crottin de Chavignol
Aged goat cheese and dry Chenin's wax-and-mineral register are textbook. -
Roast turbot with beurre blanc
White fish and Loire butter sauce are framed by the wine's pear and saline length. -
Pork loin with quince paste
Quince on the palate echoes the dish; pork fat is refreshed by the acidity.
History
Blanc de la Noblaie is the rare white cuvee of the estate, drawn from old Chenin Blanc plantings on limestone at Ligre. Chinon's white production is under 3 percent of total appellation output.
- 1998 — Blanc de la Noblaie first bottled
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine de la Noblaie
- Grapes
- Chenin Blanc (100%)
- Classification
- Chinon AOC
- Oak
- 10 months on lees in old oak demi-muids, no new oak
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- EUR 18 to 26 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3 to 10 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1998
- Organic
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Scores
- Vinous 90 (2020 vintage, reviewed 2022)
Frequently asked about Blanc de la Noblaie
What does Blanc de la Noblaie taste like?
Quince, honeysuckle, yellow apple and wet stone on the nose; pear, lemon zest, beeswax and a saline length on the palate. Medium-bodied with high acidity and a long finish.
When should I drink Blanc de la Noblaie?
Drink between 3 and 10 years from vintage. Serve at 10 to 12C; the wine opens with 30 minutes of air.
What food pairs with Blanc de la Noblaie?
Crottin de Chavignol, roast turbot with beurre blanc, and pork loin with quince paste are all strong matches.
What grapes are in Blanc de la Noblaie?
100 percent Chenin Blanc, the rare white grape of the Chinon AOC, from limestone parcels at Ligre.