
2023 Terre de l’Elu La Boussole Chenin Blanc





WINEMAKER: Charlotte & Thomas Carsin
REGION: Loire Valley, FR
VARIETY: Chenin Blanc
VITICULTURE: Certified Organic
In a region full of striking examples of Chenin Blanc, the Boussole certainly stands up with the best of them. It’s that nostalgic yet surprising nose, all the hits like ripe pear, white flowers, and subtle hints of honey and spice. But underneath, there’s this gingery inflection, ginger cake almost. Doubled down with its creamy texture balanced by crisp acidity, and a long and mineral-driven finish, this wine is just peachy keen. The 'Boussole' Chenin Blanc is sourced from vineyards in Anjou and Saumur, where the soils are rich in schist and limestone, contributing to the wine's complexity and minerality. It undergoes natural fermentation and ageing on lees in various sizes of oak barrels to enhance texture and depth. A winner.
Charlotte and Thomas Carsin’s inspiring domaine, Terre d’Elu. Totaling 17 hectares spread over 30 different plots, Terre de l’Elu is located in the tiny village of Saint-Aubin de Luigne. Their vineyard sites are scattered from the village of Chaume, famous for its sweet style of botrytized Chenin Blanc, to Chaudefonds-sur-Layon near the meeting of the Layon and Loire. It is a little warmer and dried in this part of Anjou, so instead of whites, red varieties are widely cultivated alongside the traditional Chenin Blanc. Grolleau, Cab Franc, Pinot, Gamay.