Delrieu-Ducleux "La Joue" 2021 Chenin Blanc Vin de France (Anjou)

Grapes: 100% Chenin Blanc

Biodynamic farming

Vinification: Barrel aged, indigenous yeast fermented, low sulfur vinification & aging, organically grown grapes, skin contact, stainless steel & neutral oak, unfined & unfiltered

Soil: Clay, Schist

Schist forms the geological foundation for this single vineyard Chenin, with additional clay and gravel.

Julien Delrieu was the driving force behind a project founded in 2010 by three friends around the simultaneous purchase of 15 hectares of vineyards near the Layon river in the heart of the Anjou. They immediately went about converting the vineyards to organic farming, all the while honing there winemaking style and creating single cépage cuvées. The vineyards range in age from 25-60 years old and favor traditional Anjou varietals, Chenin, Cabernet Franc, Grolleau, and a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon. There are a variety of soil components throughout the vineyards, but schist, limestone, and clay dominate, as would be expected in this region.

The three partners decided to go their separate ways prior to the 2017 vintage which was subsequently destroyed by spring frosts. Each partner kept his share of the vineyards and struck out on his own.

In 2020, Julien was joined by a Thibaut Ducleux, a longtime friend and colleague who is now a full-time partner in the winery.

The cellar techniques are fairly traditional with the addition of some skin maceration on the white wines and minimal use of sulfur. The goal of the domaine is to let each varietal and vineyard site speak for itself and to use only small amounts of sulfur to maintain freshness and balance. The result are wines that show both crisp acidity and brilliant focus and tension without being too wound up. Delicious wines with a clear sense of place.