2023 Domaine Beatrice & Pascal Lambert Le Chinon d'A Cote Chenin Blanc

Le Chenin d’À Côté from Domaine Lambert is a luminous, terroir-driven Chenin Blanc crafted in Chinon, part of France’s Loire Valley. Under the stewardship of Béatrice & Pascal Lambert, the vineyards are farmed organically and biodynamically, with minimal intervention in the cellar, allowing the purity of fruit and site to speak. This wine delivers a compelling balance of delicacy and energy: crisp, floral, and fresh, yet with weight and complexity. It’s ideal for wine lovers seeking an expressive white that can play both as an aperitif and a food partner. Because it carries the signature limestone, flint, and clay soils of Chinon, it shows minerality and elegant structure alongside aromatic fruit.

Nose: The bouquet is airy and fragrant: acacia, white blossom, honeysuckle, and jasmine mingle with hints of citrus peel (lime zest, lemon pith) and a whisper of green apple. Subtle stone fruit aromas—pear skins, quince—emerge on further airing.

Palate: Dry and vibrant, the palate opens with crisp citrus (lemon, grapefruit) and green apple, then evolves into more rounded stone fruit (white peach, nectarine), all held in check by a backbone of chalky, saline minerality. The texture is precise, energetic, with taut acidity and a touch of silex / flint character in the midpalate.

Finish: The finish is linear, refreshing, and persistent. Citrus tang and saline minerality linger, with subtle floral echoes and a clean, stimulating aftertaste that encourages another sip.

A perfect match with grilled white fish with lemon & herbs, fresh goat cheese, ceviche, or a summer salad.