In the glass
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.
- 2005 — First vintage of Les Terres Blanches bottled
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Stéphane Bernaudeau
- 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)
Scores
- Vinous 94 (2020 vintage, reviewed 2023)
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.