Château Fosse-Sèche "Cuvée Arcane" 2017, hailing from the esteemed Saumur appellation in the Anjou-Saumur subregion of the Loire Valley, is an organic white wine celebrated for its clarity and precision. While it is highly likely that Chenin Blanc plays a central role in the blend, as is traditional for this area, the exact varietal composition could vary. The 2017 vintage benefited from balanced ripeness and a harmonious maturation cycle, which has allowed many Loire whites from this year to achieve vibrancy and subtle aromatic complexity.
The terroir of Saumur is defined by a combination of limestone-rich soils—specifically, the renowned tuffeau stone—and a temperate climate with cool Atlantic influences. This geology generates wines of notable finesse, marked acidity, and mineral depth. The region boasts a rich winemaking heritage dating back to the Middle Ages, with its history shaped by both monastic traditions and the unique landscape of rolling vineyards punctuated by centuries-old châteaux. Organic viticulture, as practised by Château Fosse-Sèche, further enhances the natural expressiveness and energy found in their wines.
The refreshing, mineral-driven profile of this Saumur blanc makes it an inspired companion for a wide array of dishes. Classic pairings include Loire river fish such as pike-perch or sandre served with beurre blanc, seafood platters, or shellfish, while roast chicken with thyme or lightly creamy vegetable gratins also work harmoniously. For a touch of local authenticity, consider enjoying it alongside rillettes de poisson or young goat’s cheese, a nod to the Loire’s esteemed fromages de chèvre.
For the optimal tasting experience, serve this wine slightly chilled, between 10 and 12°C. If cellared, consider decanting to reveal its full aromatic range, and enjoy observing how the wine evolves over the course of a meal, as it unfurls notes of stone fruit, citrus, and delicate florality atop a mineral backbone.
