In the glass
Aroma: lemon, white peach, chalk, honeysuckle
Palate: citrus, chalky mineral, quince, honey
Single-vineyard Savennières from a butterfly-shaped parcel of schist with volcanic-rock pockets. Taut and chalky young; softens into honey and waxy texture with a decade.
What it pairs with
-
Sole meunière
Buttery white fish meets the wine's chalk and waxy texture from lees ageing. -
Lobster ravioli
Shellfish sweetness meets the wine's chalky mineral and stone-fruit depth. -
Roast chicken with thyme
White-meat poultry with the wine's body and acidity; herb lift handles the roasting jus. -
Aged Sainte-Maure de Touraine
Ashed Loire goat cheese with chalky Chenin; the wine's quince echoes the rind ash.
History
Clos du Papillon is named for the butterfly-shaped 4.7-hectare parcel. The Baumard family has owned the estate since 1634 and Florent Baumard manages it today; Clos du Papillon is bottled under screwcap.
- 1955 — Jean Baumard revitalises the estate after WWII
- 2000 — Florent Baumard adopts screwcap closure across the range
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine des Baumard
- Grapes
- Chenin Blanc (100%)
- Classification
- Savennières AOC
- Oak
- Vinified in stainless steel; aged on fine lees, no oak, screwcap closure
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- EUR 35 to 60 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-25 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1955
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Scores
- Vinous 93 (2019 vintage, reviewed 2022)
Frequently asked about Savennières Clos du Papillon
What does Baumard Clos du Papillon taste like?
Lemon, white peach, chalk and honeysuckle on the nose; citrus, chalky mineral, quince and honey on the palate. Medium-bodied with high acidity and a long, layered finish.
When should I drink Baumard Clos du Papillon?
Drink between 5 and 25 years from vintage. The screwcap closure keeps the wine taut for longer; bottles soften toward honey only as they hit a decade or more.
Where is Clos du Papillon grown?
A butterfly-shaped 4.7-hectare south-facing single-vineyard parcel on schist with pockets of volcanic rock, along the Loire in Savennières.
Why does Baumard use screwcap?
Florent Baumard adopted screwcap from 2000 onwards across his range. The closure preserves freshness and avoids cork taint; Baumard was an early Loire adopter.