Wines Anjou Coulée d'Ambroise - Chenin - 2020

Coulée d'Ambroise 2020 is a remarkable white wine from the celebrated Anjou AOC, part of the Anjou-Saumur subregion in France’s Loire Valley. This cuvée is crafted entirely from Chenin Blanc, a grape variety renowned for its versatility and capacity to express both freshness and complexity. The 2020 vintage benefitted from a favourable growing season, allowing grapes to reach excellent aromatic maturity while retaining bright acidity. Typical vinification for quality Chenin in Anjou involves gentle pressing, cool fermentation, and careful handling to preserve the pure fruit character and delicate floral notes. Maturation is often carried out in stainless steel or neutral vessels to safeguard freshness, although some producers may employ subtle oak for additional texture.

The Anjou-Saumur area of the Loire Valley is famed for its undulating landscapes and diverse soils, notably the schist and limestone ‘tuffeau’ that underpin the region’s best vineyards. The local climate is moderate, with the Loire River itself helping to temper extremes, create morning mists, and extend growing seasons. This terroir yields Chenin Blancs of particular finesse, marrying vibrant citrus and white fruit with undertones of honey and minerals even in dry versions. The Loire’s winemaking heritage is centuries old: Anjou was celebrated in the Middle Ages for its court wines, and today’s growers carry forward that tradition of excellence and elegance.

Pairing this Anjou Blanc sec is a real pleasure. Its lively acidity and subtle aromatic palette make it an ideal companion for goat’s cheese, notably the famed Crottin de Chavignol, or for local fish served in beurre blanc. Shellfish such as oysters or crab, poultry dishes with light cream sauces, and even mildly spiced Asian cuisine will showcase its versatility. For a regional touch, try it with rillettes de poisson or white asparagus with vinaigrette.

To enjoy all the aromatic detail and textural balance of this Coulée d'Ambroise 2020, serve it chilled but not too cold, ideally between 10-12°C. This range flatters the wine’s liveliness while allowing the full complexity of Chenin Blanc to unfurl in the glass.