Viniou Reviews
Philippe Socheleau's Cuvée Éole from the prestigious Savennières appellation in the Loire Valley is a dry white wine that showcases the region’s iconic grape, Chenin Blanc. While this wine is non-vintage, its character is defined by the terroir-driven approach of the estate. Savennières is renowned for its complex, bone-dry renditions of Chenin, often marked by intense minerality, vibrant acidity, and profound ageing potential. The wine is typically made with minimal intervention, allowing the nuance of the schist soils and the microclimate to shine through. Expect aromas of quince, green apple, honey, and a distinctive wet-stone minerality, accompanied by a taut, precise palate with saline undertones and a lengthy, structured finish.
Savennières sits on the north bank of the River Loire, west of Angers, in a unique enclave defined by its schist and volcanic soils. The region’s climate is temperate with Atlantic influences, fostering slow and even ripening of Chenin Blanc. This is key to the wine’s signature freshness and aromatic complexity. Historically, Savennières has been prized since the Middle Ages for its ageing-worthy whites, earning admiration from connoisseurs for their combination of intensity, complexity, and longevity. The relatively small vineyard area and low yields result in wines of remarkable concentration.
For food pairing, Cuvée Éole’s crisp acidity and mineral structure call for dishes that celebrate freshness and texture. It pairs beautifully with freshwater fish, such as pike in beurre blanc, or shellfish—think oysters or scallops. Goat’s cheese, especially the local Valençay or Crottin de Chavignol, resonates with the wine’s zesty edge. For a heartier option, try it alongside roast chicken with morel mushrooms, or a vegetable tart with leeks and cream.
To enjoy this Savennières at its best, serve it slightly chilled at 10-12°C. Decanting for thirty minutes will help to unlock its aromatic complexity. While already expressive, this wine can further develop in bottle over several years, rewarding those with patience.
