2023 Arnaud Lambert Saumur Blanc, Breze "Midi", Chenin Blanc

From: Saumur, Loire Valley, FranceVarietal: Chenin Blanc Taste: The Clos du Midi was a large walled section of the famous Breze Hill in Saumur. It’s now labeled as ‘Midi’ as of the 2022 vintage because a road (aka little dirt path) cuts between the vines and the wall so small trucks can carry grape crates out of the vineyard. Since the walled section is now split, it’s no longer ‘Clos de Midi,’ but other than the name, you can expect the same great wine as always. This 100% Chenin Blanc is scintillatingly crunchy and minerally, mixing a concentrated palate of citrus and soft honey with a zippy, salty-edged finish. Only 10% of the fruit sees any oak, and there is no malolactic fermentation to calm the bracing acidity. This is superb now, better in a couple of years, and capable of further cellaring—a gem of a Loire white.Pairing: White Saumur pairs well with a myriad of fresh cheeses, as well as fish chowder, Dungeness crab, fresh salads, and soufflés, but our favorite pairing is the Lo