The Argile displays grapefruit, quince, a touch of orange peel, lovely, chalky tones and a delicate floral topnote of white blossom. On the palate the wine is dry, crisp, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with invigorating acid, very good focus and grip and a long, complex finish.

Because of Chenin Blanc’s bracing acidity and inherently sweet flavor, you’ll find it pairs well with foods that have a sweet and sour element. Southeast Asian cuisine or pork chops with apples.

Philippe Vatan took over the family chateau and its 15 hectares of vines in 1987 and has since turned the estate into one of the most acclaimed in Saumur-Champigny. The Chateau du Hureau vineyard spreads over about twenty plots covering around 20 hectares. 18.5 hectares are planted with Cabernet Franc, all of them within the appellation of Saumur-Champigny. The Saumur Blanc and Coteaux de Saumur come from 4 little plots of Chenin, representing just 1.5 hectares.

Château du Hureau is one of the only wine-producing châteaux in the Loire. The château’s wine caves date back to the 13th century and, like many in the valley, are carved into the soft tufa-limestone bluf.

The cuvee "Argile" is made from a blend of four parcels from low yielding organically tended vines, with an average age of 30 years. The direct-pressed juice is fermented in tank and then aged in a combo of tank and large wood. Depending on the vintage, the residual sugars can vary from 2 to 5g/l. 12 months aging in casks and barrels.