Chai de la Dive Les Moulins Saumur Blanc

Chai La Dive’s Les Moulins Saumur Blanc is a finely tuned, terroir-driven expression of Chenin Blanc from the limestone heart of the Loire Valley. Produced by Romain Guiberteau, renowned for his benchmark work at Domaine Guiberteau, this cuvée comes from roughly four hectares of organically farmed vines located in the villages of Berrie and Épieds. The soils here alternate between clay sand and silt over hard Turonian limestone, a mix that imparts both breadth and the signature mineral tension of Saumur’s best sites. The grapes are harvested by hand, pressed as whole clusters, and allowed to settle for 24 hours before fermenting spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. Full malolactic fermentation occurs naturally, followed by six months of maturation on fine lees in tank. The absence of oak preserves the purity of fruit and emphasizes the wine’s precision and linearity. In the glass, Les Moulins opens with aromas of quince, white peach, citrus oil, and chamomile, underscored by notes of wet stone and a faint saline edge. The palate is taut yet layered, combining a supple mid-palate texture with vibrant acidity and a long, chalk-inflected finish. At once crystalline and substantial, it exemplifies the dual nature of Chenin Blanc; both generous in texture and razor-sharp in delivering remarkable clarity and depth for its category. This is a technical, terroir focused Saumur Blanc that rewards close attention. Though exceptional on its own, it elevates itself beautifully when served alongside shellfish, goat cheese, or roasted chicken with a creamy and herbaceous pan sauce.