Thibaud Boudignon Savennières Clos de la Hutte 2021

Situated in the commune of La Possonnière, the Clos de la Hutte is an ancient religious site of 7 hectares, of which 2.6 are planted with vines. At the heart of this ancient monastery are vines produced from a massal selection of Chenin Blanc coming from the best domaines of the Loire. Five different selections of Chenin were planted together so as to best express the intensity and singularity of this special place.

There is also a small part of this vineyard planted on its own roots, i.e. ungrafted vines, which gives rise to the micro cuvée Franc de Pied, first produced from the 2020 vintage.

Clos de la Hutte is vinified 50 % in oval demi muid, 25 % in 320 litre cigars, and 25 % in 500 litre puncheons. The ageing lasts one year in wood and a minimum of 3 months in stainless steel. Clos de la Hutte is a great terroir with the solid schist mother rock close to the surface.

'Matured with 30% new oak, the 2021 Savennières Clos de la Hutte was made with grapes grown in clay topsoil with schists. It exhales a perfumed, precise bouquet with aromas of pineapple, lemon oil, spring flowers and spices. The full-bodied, seamless and layered, crystalline and pure, concentrated and mineral palate has a delicate core of fruit and a tense, saline finish. This pristine wine represents the essence of this great terroir. Drink 2023-2053.'  97 points, Yohan Castaing, The Wine Advocate, January 2024

'The 2021 Clos de la Hutte is a fabulous, laser-like wine with scintillating acidity. It is airy and calm in texture, providing a sense of tranquility and ease. Expect a fragrant style with florals, nectarine, citrus, pastry and a touch of flint. There's no doubting the acidity piercing this wine, particularly in this vintage. The delightful texture leaves you licking your lips and provides sinew and structure. Drink 2025-2038.' 95 points, Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous Media, June 2023

Thibaud Boudignon

'The three wines of Boudignon were the best dry chenins that I tasted at the Salon of Angers, we are at the level of 1er Cru and Grand Cru Burgundy.' Michel Bettane

Thibaud Boudignon is one of the new young stars of the Loire Valley based in Savennieres. He also owns two small vineyards across the river on the south side of the Loire in the Anjou. Having worked with Philippe Charlopin in Gevrey Chambertin, Chateau Lafite Rothschild in Bordeaux (amongst others) and also in Australia he has been (since 2007) the winemaker for Chateau Soucherie in Coteau du Layon making a range of dry and sweet wines for that large prestigious property.

With a total of just 7 hectares of vines he has gradually bought and planted several prime parcels in the small Savennieres appellation including a parcel which borders Baumard's Clos St Yves vineyard (not far from the famous La Roche-aux-Moines vineyard). He has also planted another vineyard, Le Clos de Fremine, just south of Savennieres near the village of La Possonnière with sandy soil and across the road is his main vineyard Clos de la Hutte beside which he has built a remarkable small and modern winery which is regulated by thermal energy which is submerged below the ground around the winery. Given the small size of the winery it is clear that he intends to concentrate on small quantities of chenin blanc which are already pushing the boundaries of what has been accepted as possible with this variety.

Working organically in the vineyards he harvests by hand making successive tries throughout each vineyard ending with yields that are much lower than the AOC rules. During the growing season he employs one person per hectare to manage the vines. In the winery the grapes are whole bunch pressed with no settling and the juice kept cold before starting a long slow fermentation. He vinifies with natural yeasts and ages the wines on lees with minimal SO2 in a mixture of barrels ranging from 300-600 litres. There are hogsheads, cigares, puncheons and small 600 litre foudres from the highly regarded Austrian cooper, Stockinger. Ultimately though, new oak influence is not a part of the style. This results in wines of striking purity, depth and intensity, with each wine clearly reflecting its particular terroir. They are really profound wines with terrific freshness and structure that have the capacity to age well for many years.

All the white wines are 100% Chenin Blanc. Availability is very limited and the wines sell out quickly each year.