Wines Savennières Domaine La Coulée de Serrant - Les Vieux Clos - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Domaine La Coulée de Serrant’s “Les Vieux Clos” 2022 is a remarkable white wine from the historic Savennières appellation in the Anjou-Saumur subregion of the Loire Valley, France. Crafted predominantly from Chenin Blanc, this cuvée is vinified biodynamically, reflecting a commitment to gentle vineyard practices and authentic expression of terroir. The 2022 vintage saw favourable weather, resulting in optimal ripeness and vibrant acidity—hallmarks of top-quality Chenin Blanc from this revered site. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo meticulous sorting before fermentation, often in oak barrels or demi-muids, which imparts subtle texture while allowing the purity of fruit to shine. The resulting wine is dry, with delicate fragrances of white florals, quince, and honey, underpinned by mineral-driven freshness and a lingering, saline finish.

Savennières is a small but esteemed appellation renowned for its schistous soils and south-facing slopes overlooking the Loire River. The region’s cool yet sunny climate encourages slow ripening, allowing Chenin Blanc to develop both aromatic complexity and crisp, linear acidity. The proximity to the river tempers extremes, while the rocky soils provide excellent drainage and imbue the wines with their signature minerality. Viticulture here dates back to the twelfth century, and Domaine La Coulée de Serrant itself is legendary, closely associated with Nicolas Joly, a pioneer of biodynamic winegrowing in France.

For food pairings, “Les Vieux Clos” 2022 excels alongside refined dishes that echo its depth and structure. Consider serving it with seared scallops, freshwater fish like pike perch in beurre blanc, or even roast chicken with tarragon. Its lively acidity and mineral backbone also complement regional Loire Valley goat cheeses, particularly aged AOC varieties like Selles-sur-Cher or Valençay.

To fully appreciate its nuances, serve this Savennières between 10-12°C. Decanting for thirty minutes will help reveal its layered aromas. Although enjoyable now, the wine has evident cellaring potential thanks to its concentration and vibrant structure.