Domaine aux Moines, Le Berceau des Fees, Vin de France, France, 2023 (staff pick)

Overview of the Wine
Domaine aux Moines was founded in 1981, though there are records of vineyards planted in the region since the middle ages, when the monks (“moines” in French) from the Abbaye de St Nicolas tended vines. It is now run by the energetic mother-daughter team of Monique and Tessa Laroche. The estate comprises 9.6 Ha of Chenin Blanc and .8 Ha Cabernet Franc. The vineyards are all south and southwest facing hillsides in the sub-appellation of "Roche Aux Moines".

Savennieres is located on the Western edge of the Anjou region in the Loire valley, not far from the city of Angers. The vineyards are located on hillsides along the Loire river. The proximity to the river helps to temper the cold of the region as well as to encourage ripeness and protect against springtime frosts. The soils in Savennières are predominantly schists with some sandstone and clay. They tend to produce a flinty, drier style Chenin Blanc that can age for a long time.

The estate has always taken a natural approach in their vineyard work and cellar practices. Since the beginning, they practiced “lutte raisonnée” (sustainable agriculture), though are officially in conversion to Organic certification (Eco-cert) as of 2008. Yields are kept extremely low, which -- by law in "Roche Aux Moines" -- means under 30 h/h, and often less. All work is done by hand including the harvest which occurs slowly over a few weeks (5-6 “tries” or pickings). The wines are all fermented with indigenous yeasts, and aged in a combo of tank and cask (220 and 400-liter, mostly used), with usually 65-75% tank and the rest wood. Bottling is done around 9-10 months after harvest, though the winery stocks vintages for sale back almost 20 years! 

Grape / Blend
100% Chenin Blanc

Origin
Loire Valley, France

Tasting Notes
Le Berceau des Fées (“The Cradle of the Fairies”) is Domaine aux Moines’ early-drinking Chenin Blanc—a fresh, joyful counterpoint to their age-worthy Roche aux Moines. Made from young vines and farmed organically, it’s fermented dry and bottled young to preserve all that vibrant energy.

The 2023 is alive with white peach, lemon zest, spring flowers, and a subtle chalky finish. There’s no oak here—just pure, clean Chenin with bright acidity and a lightly textured palate that keeps things interesting. It’s an ideal intro to the domaine’s elegant, terroir-driven style.

Serve it chilled with goat cheese, shellfish, or fresh greens—or just pour it generously any night of the week. It’s Savennières in party mode.

Product size: 750ml