Cave de Saumur Chenin Blanc ($13) from Les Plantagenets is a gift to wine lovers from France’s Loire Valley. For fans of shellfish, such as oysters, mussels and fresh shrimp or lobster, this wine is a godsend. Roasted or grilled chicken or fish are a natural. If you’re tending toward the lighter side, i.e. soft chevre (goat) or Brie cheeses, light salads garnished with fresh pears, peach or orange slices, this is also the wine for you.
It’s also great with a simple plate of sliced meats, assorted cheeses, nuts and fruit for an uncomplicated afternoon lollygagging on the front or back porch.
Made with 100% Chenin Blanc grapes from a region rich with clay-limestone soil dotted with soft white stones, this is a wine that speaks of refinement with a restrained voice. Its flavors are dominated with those of fresh citrus lime, lemon, ripe melons, grapefruit and pineapple. The smell of white flowers fresh from the valley floor, greets the nose on the first pour.
These mouthwatering aromatics are achieved with only the greatest of care.
After destemming the grapes, the fruit is allowed to rest briefly on the skin, to give it character and body. The grapes are then gently pressed before being fermented in temperature-controlled vats. The wine is subsequently bottled and allowed to rest in limestone walled cellars, where it continues to age, protected from light and temperature changes.
For those avid students of European history, the name Plantagenets is familiar. It is the name of a famous French dynasty descended from Geoffrey V of Anjou (Pears, anyone?!). Legend has it that he used to wear a swatch of broom on his hat, which became a symbol of the region.
History and the world of literature, (mainly Shakespeare) are filled with legend surrounding Europe’s most storied dynasty. The Plantagenets ruled England for over 300 years (1154-1485), originating from French Anjou, and transformed English governance through legal reforms like the Magna Carta, which foresaw the establishment of the British Parliament.
They oversaw the Hundred Years’ War, eventually splitting into the Lancaster and York branches, culminating in the legendary Wars of the Roses.
The dynasty ended rather spectacularly when Richard III was killed at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, paving the way for the Tudor dynasty. Their reign saw England evolve from a continental power to a more distinct kingdom, shaping its language, laws, and national identity for all time.
While no direct heir to the throne is in existence today, the Plantagenet bloodline continues to flow through many noble and common families, primarily through marriage. Today, the ancestral line can be traced to the British Royal Family.
Saumur is an historic town in France’s Loire Valley, famous for its stunning château, equestrian traditions and, of course, wine production.
Chenin Blanc, that most neglected of white wine varietals, Cabernet Franc, the secret weapon blending partner to almost all great Cabernet, and sparkling wines that rival anything in Champagne, are its signatures.
The town of Saumur is known world-wide for its serene riverside setting, stunning Chateaus and Medieval Castles. Its architecture is made from the local white limestone.
Attractions like the Cavalry Museum, the National Riding School of Equestrian Arts, the Army Museum and its ancient troglodyte dwellings, attract tourists from around the globe.
Saumur offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and modern-day wine tourism. Among ongoing attractions, Cadre Noir’s riding display team is a spectacle not to be missed.
Just one sip of Cave de Saumur and you are transported there in style! Drink responsibly.
