Sparkling Wines Chinon La Maison du Vigneron - Chardonnay Brut Dargent Blanc de Blancs - 2019

Viniou Reviews

La Maison du Vigneron’s Cuvée Chardonnay Brut Dargent Blanc de Blancs 2019 from Chinon AOC in the Loire Valley is an intriguing effervescent white wine. Crafted exclusively from Chardonnay, this Brut scintillates with freshness and precision—hallmarks of a well-managed Blanc de Blancs. The 2019 vintage benefited from a favourable growing season, resulting in grapes with vibrant acidity and fine aromatic complexity. In the cellar, traditional methods ensure a delicate mousse and persistent effervescence, with lees ageing adding subtle layers of brioche and almond to the primary notes of citrus and white flowers.

Chinon sits within the storied Touraine subregion, the heart of the Loire Valley, a region celebrated for its diversity of terroirs and grape varieties. The Chinon area is best known for its reds, but its limestone-rich soils and temperate climate are also superbly suited to producing refined sparkling whites. The soils’ mineral content lends a chalky backbone and tension to the wines, while the oceanic influences help retain freshness and balance. The Loire Valley itself has a deep-rooted history in French viticulture, its castles, and riverbanks nurturing vines for centuries, and its winemakers continually innovating to highlight the character of their unique sites.

A sparkling Chinon Blanc de Blancs such as this is highly versatile with food. It makes a splendid apéritif, but pairs particularly well with delicate starters such as oysters, scallop carpaccio, or a classic Loire goat cheese like Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine. For a more regional feel, try it alongside rillettes de poisson or quenelles au beurre blanc. Its brisk acidity and gentle mousse will also stand up to sushi or tempura, and can cut through the richness of lightly fried seafood or vegetable dishes.

For the optimal tasting experience, serve this Brut nicely chilled, ideally between 6-8°C. Use tulip-shaped flutes or white wine glasses to allow the bouquet to develop and the fine bubbles to express themselves. To fully appreciate its potential, open just before serving and enjoy its freshness over the course of your meal.