Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninlow
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oaknew oak

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2020: best 2023 to 2040.
vintage3 yrs20 yrs22 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Vinous reviewed 2023202094/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedLow tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: lemon, white peach, wet stone, chalk

Palate: citrus, stone fruit, creamy lees, saline mineral

Cult Anjou Chenin from a 0.45-hectare parcel of 80-year-old vines on light limestone upstream of the Layon. The most lifted of Bernaudeau's three bottlings.

What it pairs with

  • Coquilles Saint-Jacques
    Scallop sweetness meets chalky mineral lift; the wine's saline texture echoes the shellfish.
  • Sole grenobloise
    Caper-and-lemon brown butter sauce meets the wine's citrus drive and chalky lift.
  • Lobster with beurre blanc
    Full body and saline mineral handle rich shellfish; chalky finish cuts butter sauce.
  • Aged Comté
    Hazelnut crystallisation in 30+ month Comté finds the wine's creamy lees and saline mineral.

History

Les Terres Blanches comes from a 0.45-hectare parcel of octogenarian vines on light limestone upstream of the Layon. The cuvée joined the range as Bernaudeau expanded.

  1. 2005: First vintage of Les Terres Blanches bottled

Facts

Producer
Domaine Stéphane Bernaudeau · visiting guide
Grapes
Chenin Blanc (100%)
Classification
Vin de France
Oak
Fermented and aged on fine lees in older oak barrels around 12 months, no new oak
ABV
13.0%
Price
EUR 250 to 600 at retail
Drinking window
3-20 from vintage
First vintage
2005
Biodynamic
Biodynamic Practicing
Organic
ORGANIC CERTIFIED
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Les Terres Blanches

What does Bernaudeau Les Terres Blanches taste like?

Lemon, white peach, wet stone and chalk on the nose; citrus, stone fruit, creamy lees and saline mineral on the palate. Medium-bodied with high acidity and a long, layered finish.

When should I drink Les Terres Blanches?

Drink between 3 and 20 years from vintage. The 80-year-old vines and light limestone give the wine remarkable lift and ageing capacity.

Where is Les Terres Blanches grown?

A 0.45-hectare parcel of octogenarian Chenin Blanc on light limestone, upstream of the Layon, biodynamically farmed by Bernaudeau.

Is Bernaudeau Les Terres Blanches vegan?

Yes. The estate is biodynamic and uses no animal-derived fining agents.

Tags

biodynamic cellar worthy chenin blanc cult wine dry high acid iconic medium body mood elegant mood savoury occasion celebration occasion cellar occasion special old vines old world organic pairs with aged cheese pairs with shellfish pairs with white fish price luxury single vineyard still white vegan

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