Domaine Belargus : Treilles Monopole 2020

Characteristics and tasting tips for Treilles Monopole 2020 by Domaine Belargus

Tasting

Color
The color is a clear, bright lemon yellow.

Nose
The nose reveals beautiful aromatic complexity with notes of dried pears and spiced apples. Aromas of candied lemons, wild herbs, and citrus zest mingle with pastry and spicy touches. With aeration, the bouquet evolves towards nuances of toasted hazelnut and green almond, accompanied by a smoky dimension evoking flint.

Palate
On the palate, this Chenin Blanc seduces with its remarkable concentration and great precision. The lively attack reveals a juicy intensity accompanied by a refreshing lemony bitterness. The structure rests on a beautiful acidic tension and a persistent sandy minerality that gives the wine a slightly rough and earthy texture. The balance between vibrancy and fruit richness ensures a dry, pristine, and exceptionally long finish.

Food and wine pairings

This dry white wine from the Loire is an ideal accompaniment to seafood, delicate fish, and scallops. It also pairs very well with roasted or braised white meats, particularly chicken or veal served in a white sauce. Goat cheeses, whether fresh or aged, also make for a harmonious pairing.

Service and cellaring

Treilles Monopole 2020 can be enjoyed now but possesses an aging potential that will allow it to evolve until approximately 2042.

An exceptionally concentrated Anjou Chenin Blanc from a historic monopole

The estate

Founded in 2018 by Ivan Massonnat, Domaine Belargus today spans approximately twenty-four hectares in the Anjou Noir region of the Loire. The estate brings together prestigious plots distributed between Savennières, Quarts-de-Chaume, and the Layon Valley. Ivan Massonnat, a former investor passionate about terroir expression, acquired the vineyard from Jo Pithon, a pioneer of organic farming who had restored these historic terroirs. The estate is managed by a team combining the experience of Jo Pithon as a consultant, the expertise of winemaker Adrien Moreau, and the advice of Guy Bossard, a biodynamics pioneer. Belargus has quickly established itself as a benchmark for Loire wines, notably receiving a perfect 100-point score from the Wine Advocate for its debut 2018 vintage.

The vineyard

The Coteau des Treilles is a 2.72-hectare monopole located in the Layon Valley, in the heart of Anjou. This historic vineyard, cultivated since the eleventh century then abandoned after the Second World War, was restored by Jo Pithon starting in the 1990s. The Chenin Blanc vines are planted on extremely steep slopes reaching up to 70% inclination, on terraces overlooking the Layon River. The terroir rests on a unique geological chaos composed of magmatic rocks, varied schists, sandstone, and puddingstone dating from the Paleozoic era. Located in the heart of the Pont-Barré Nature Reserve, the vineyard benefits from a full south exposure and a specific microclimate. The estate practices certified organic farming and is progressively applying biodynamic principles, with yields voluntarily limited to around 25 hectoliters per hectare.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage in the Loire was marked by a mild winter followed by a contrasting spring. The summer proved to be hot and sunny with periods of drought, favoring optimal grape ripening. The climatic conditions allowed for berries of great aromatic concentration while preserving remarkable acidity, a sought-after characteristic for the expression of Chenin Blanc.

Winemaking and aging

The harvest for Treilles Monopole 2020 was carried out manually in several passes to select grapes at optimal maturity. Winemaking was conducted in a minimalist manner with spontaneous fermentations using indigenous yeasts. The wine fermented in French oak barrels, mainly in large foudres to minimize the impact of the wood. Aging continued for 18 months in barrels before bottling. The estate favors a patient approach based on tasting rather than a fixed schedule.

Grape

100% Chenin Blanc