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Chateau d'Epire
Chateau d'Epire is located close to the Loire, just upstream of the Clos de la Coulée de Serrant and Roches aux Moines vineyards of Nicolas Joly, and of the town of Savennières itself. The chateau and vineyards are owned by Cecile and Luc Bizard, the property having been in the family for six generations. The chateau is in fact of relatively recent construction, having been erected in 1850 on the site of an old house.
There are 11 ha in all, of which 9 ha is planted to Chenin. The vineyards comprise three plots, including Hu-Boyau which lies adjacent to Clos de la Coulée Serrant. Harvest takes place in several tris over the course of a few weeks. The wines see a soft pressing before fermentation in stainless steel, followed by sixth months in oak.
The wines produced include a straight Savennières as well as a Cuvée Spéciale. In addition the wine of Hu-Boyau sees nine months oak ageing, and in suitable vintages a Moelleux. The moelleux has always been a lighter affair than many such wines, more demi-sec than moelleux, but since the 1996 vintage the Bizards proudly declare over 17 g/l of residual sugar. To my mind that's still firmly demi-sec territory. (5/8/04)
Contact details:
Address: 49170 Savennières
Telephone: +33 (0) 2 41 77 15 01
Fax: +33 (0) 2 41 77 16 23
Internet:
www.chateau-epire.com
Chateau d'Epire - Tasting Notes
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Chateau d'Epire Savennières 1996: A warm, golden hue in the glass. The
nose offers fragrant floral aromas, with nuances of sweet straw and mineral
laced honey. A demi-sec style on the palate, richer and with more residual
sugar than other cuvées of Savennières from the likes of
Baumard or
Pierre-Bise. Nicely rounded,
mineral and lime aromas, with honey-straw notes. Very clear, pure, focussed wine
with a soft, tender finish. 16.5/20
(June 2004)
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