Château Yvonne 2023

Tasting characteristics and advice for Yvonne Blanc 2023 from Château Yvonne

Tasting

Color
The color displays a bright, pale yellow hue.

Nose
The bouquet opens with citrus notes, especially lemon, alongside delicate linden blossom fragrances.

Palate
The attack on the palate is full-bodied and reveals aromas of white fruits. The acidity and a fine touch of bitterness extend the tasting experience and bring a pronounced minerality. The finish expresses notes of lemon, honey and light toasty nuances.

Food and wine pairings
This Saumur Blanc is enjoyed both on its own and alongside fish in sauce or pan-seared scallops. It also pairs beautifully with aged cheeses such as mature Cantal or a well-aged Sainte-Maure.

A mineral and elegant Saumur Blanc from the Loire Valley

The estate
Founded in 1997 by Yvonne and Jean-François Lamunière on a 16th-century property, Château Yvonne, in Parnay on the banks of the Loire, at the heart of the Saumur Champigny appellation, has enjoyed a renaissance. Since 2007, Mathieu Vallée has run this 16-hectare estate, certified organic from the outset. The estate favors a minimalist approach, with hand harvesting, spontaneous fermentation and terroir-respectful winemaking. By cultivating primarily Chenin and Cabernet Franc across four villages, Château Yvonne has established itself as a benchmark for authenticity in the region.

The vineyard
This white Saumur comes from 4 hectares spread across 8 parcels in Parnay, Turquant and Montsoreau along the Loire. The terroir is made up of clay-limestone soils resting on Turonian limestone commonly known as Tuffeau. The 15- to 50-year-old vines have been farmed since 1997 according to the principles of ECOCERT-certified organic agriculture. Soil work is carried out manually, without chemical herbicides or synthetic products. Treatments are limited to nettle tea, Bordeaux mixture and flowers of sulfur, with no anti-Botrytis products or insecticides.

The vintage
The year 2023 was marked by a warm, humid spring and summer. Rainfall in early September increased Botrytis risk, requiring several picking passes to harvest at optimal ripeness.

Winemaking and aging
Hand harvesting in crates took place from September 15 to October 10 and spanned about three weeks. After a three-hour pressing, the must is settled in tank for one to two nights. Fermentation takes place in barrels with wild yeasts, without added yeasts, and continues until spring. The complete aging of Yvonne Blanc 2023 from Château Yvonne lasts 15 months: 12 months on lees, three-quarters in 225-liter barrels (20% new) and one quarter in 500-liter sandstone amphorae, followed by 3 months in tank. No bâtonnage is performed. Bottling takes place in December 2024 during a waxing moon.

Grape variety
This Loire wine is 100% Chenin.