Wines Anjou Château Princé - Les Ardoisières - 2019

Château Princé’s “Cuvée Les Ardoisières” 2019 is an expressive white wine from the Anjou AOC in the Loire Valley, produced from the region’s classic grape varieties, often dominated by Chenin Blanc. The 2019 vintage benefited from ideal weather, resulting in ripe, aromatic grapes with a vibrant natural acidity. The terroir is marked by its schist and slate soils—hence the name “Les Ardoisières”—which impart distinctive minerality and finesse to the wine. Vinification here tends to highlight purity and freshness; careful pressing, cool fermentation, and often some ageing on lees enhance texture and complexity without eclipsing the natural character of the grape.

The Anjou-Saumur subregion is celebrated for its diversity and the quality of its limestone and schist-dominated soils, which favour the production of fine white wines. The temperate oceanic climate, moderated by the influence of the Loire River, ensures a slow, even ripening. Rich in viticultural history, the region has produced wine since the Middle Ages and is particularly renowned for its Chenin Blanc—here producing dry, lively wines with a tension and subtle floral character, marked by orchard fruits, citrus and that signature flinty minerality.

This style lends itself beautifully to a variety of food pairings. The wine’s brightness and mineral backbone make it an exceptional companion to seafood—think grilled line-caught sea bass, oysters, or scallops in a beurre blanc. White meats such as roast chicken with thyme, or goat’s cheese from nearby Selles-sur-Cher, echo regional traditions and finesse the wine’s nuances. For vegetarians, a risotto with peas and lemon zest or an asparagus tart would offer harmony and refreshment.

To fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and textural delicacy, serve this Anjou Blanc well-chilled, ideally between 8-10°C. Opening the bottle shortly before serving will allow the subtle floral and mineral notes to flourish, making for a remarkable Loire Valley tasting experience.