At a glance

Producer

Château de Bonnezeaux

Region

Bonnezeaux, Loire Valley, France

Grape variety

Chenin Blanc

Wine type

White

Body

Medium-bodied and Fruity

Sweetness

Sweet

Typical price

$35-$55

Tasting profile

Notes of ripe pear, quince, honey, and subtle botrytis character; vibrant acidity

Evolution: Developing deeper notes of dried fruits, nuts, and subtle caramel with bottle age

At peak: Balanced sweetness, elegant complexity, and enhanced minerality with refined texture

Structure

Acidity

Medium to high acidity, typical of Chenin Blanc from Loire

Tannins

None (white wine)

Alcohol

12-13% ABV typical

Aging potential

Excellent aging potential of 15+ years due to balance of acidity and sugar

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2032

Optimal window

2024 to 2034

Current status

Approaching optimal drinking window, still youthful

Current condition

Fresh acidity with developing honey and stone fruit notes, no signs of decline

The vintage 2019 Loire Valley Chenin Blancs like this retain high acidity and sugar balance, enabling a decade or more maturation. Early drinking loses the intricate secondary and tertiary notes that develop after 5+ years.

Food pairing

Pairs well with foie gras, blue cheese, fruit-based desserts, and rich poultry dishes.

Serving

Serving temperature

10-12°C / 50-54°F

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Utilizes integrated pest management, water conservation, and energy-efficient winery operations. Moderate use of natural corks and lightweight glass bottles to reduce packaging impact.

Château de Bonnezeaux employs sustainable viticulture techniques including reduced chemical inputs and water use optimization. While not certified organic or biodynamic, their commitment to sustainability is above average for the region. Packaging choices reflect a balance of tradition and efficiency, aiding carbon footprint management.