Benoit Courault, VdF Blanc "Empreinte", 2023

Benoît Courault is one of Anjou’s quiet stars, part of the generation that helped reframe the Loire as a home for serious, soulful natural wines. Before striking out on his own in Faye-d’Anjou, he worked in the cellar at Clos Rougeard, and that pedigree shows in his approach: organic farming, low-intervention vinification, and a deep trust in his vines. “Empreinte” is his main white—usually 100% Chenin Blanc, and always a vivid reflection of the vintage. The 2023 edition is particularly lively: bright citrus and green pear, layered over salty minerality and a gentle, leesy texture. There's zero flash—no new oak, no heavy-handed winemaking—just clear, lifted Chenin grown on schist and clay-limestone soils and allowed to speak for itself. Fermentation is spontaneous, sulfur is minimal to none, and aging takes place in older barrels and/or tank, depending on the year. What remains consistent is the balance between energy and depth, and the wine’s ability to feel simultaneously rustic and