2023 Guiberteau Saumur Blanc, Loire Valley

The Guiberteau Saumur Blanc from the Loire Valley is one of those wines that has quietly become a darling of sommeliers and collectors, thanks to its razor-sharp precision and the vision of Romain Guiberteau. The Guiberteau family has farmed in the village of Montreuil-Bellay since the early 20th century, but it was Romain’s return in the late 1990s, encouraged by Clos Rougeard’s Nady Foucault, that transformed the domaine into one of Saumur’s benchmarks. Today the estate is certified organic, with old-vine Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc grown on the region’s limestone and tuffeau soils, giving purity, texture and energy to every bottling.

In the glass, the Saumur Blanc is pale gold with green reflections. The nose is vibrant and complex, offering white peach, quince, citrus blossom and green apple, layered with honeycomb, almond skin, chalk and a subtle smokiness from the limestone soils. On the palate, it is taut and mineral-driven, with flavours of lemon zest, pear and stone fruit underpinned by saline freshness. The texture is finely chalky yet rounded, carrying a finish that is both mouth-watering and persistent. It’s a wine that balances richness and tension beautifully — classic Chenin Blanc from Saumur.

Food pairings highlight its versatility: fresh oysters, goat’s cheese (especially Loire valley chèvre), roast chicken with lemon and thyme, or scallops with beurre blanc. Its vibrant acidity also makes it a natural partner for lightly spiced Asian dishes like ginger and lemongrass prawns. With 10 to 15 years of cellaring potential, it evolves into something more honeyed and nutty, while retaining its electric freshness.

Critics consistently praise Guiberteau’s whites for their precision and depth, with many comparing them to top-flight Burgundy in terms of structure and age-worthiness. They have become cult wines, sought after in both Parisian bistros and international fine wine circles.