CEP by CEP Anjou Blanc 2020
CEP by CEP is a recent-ish collaboration between brothers Thierry and Philipe Germain. Thierry Germain is a big name in the Loire. He got his start in Bordeaux before relocating to the Loire in the early 90s and starting Domaine des Roches Neuves. Of particular note is his pursuit of biodynamic cultivation, in which he has become one of France’s leading authorities. His estate focuses entirely on chenin (from Saumur) and cab franc (from Saumur-Champigny) and according to US wine guru Kermit Lynch, produces “some of the most exciting wine in the Loire Valley today.” In terms of prestige, the estate is second in Saumur only to the exclusive Clos Rougeard. Not surprisingly wines of this quality are not cheap and Roches Neuves wines in Australia start at $60 and head north.
Thierry has teamed up with his brother Philipe Germain, who owns Château de la Roulerie in Anjou and is a top grower in his own right, with a view to producing more affordable (but still good quality) Anjou wines. The brothers have chosen to stick with the mainstays of the region, chenin blanc and cabernet franc, and it’s this focus on just two varieties that’s behind the name of their collaboration. Cepage is the French term for grape variety and with much of the wine sold into the UK market, there’s also the intentional resemblance to ‘step by step.’
The brothers don’t own any vineyards together for the project, instead Thierry makes sure the growers they work with are all in step with his way of thinking. The vineyards are farmed using organic principles and utilise techniques such as minimal intervention and handpicking. All the vineyards are located in western Anjou, where the soil is predominantly volcanic, quite different to the limestone soils of Saumur.
This wine is made from 100% chenin blanc, organically grown on stony clay over schist of Rochefort-sur-Loire in Anjou's Layon valley. The grapes were handpicked and the wine did see some oak, however it was old and larger format barrels so the effect is subtle.
The wine is a clear pale gold. The nose, clean and aromatic - you’ll find lime, white blossom and lush dairy aromas before it opens up with fresh hay and gooseberry. On the palate sherbety lemons and limes overlay softer honeydew notes. Crisp and dry with a lovely mineral finish.
"Picking up where last year’s wine left off, this vintage is generous, racy, tangy and bright, with plenty of orchard fruits, yellow apples and lemon pith complemented by orange blossom and lanolin notes. It’s fleshy without being honeyed, and driven by coiled acidity with a saline splash to finish. Good, clean fun!" Importer's notes.
| SKU | 2CEPANJBL20 |
| Brand | CEP by CEP |
| Shipping Weight | 1.5000kg |
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