Savennières is a small wine-producing region of the Loire Valley in northwestern France. It is particularly known for its high-quality, dry white wines made from the Chenin Blanc grape variety.
The region has a unique microclimate due to its location on the western edge of the Anjou wine region. It is protected from cold, northwestern winds by a chain of hills, while the Loire River and the shale and sandstone soils also help to create a relatively warm and dry environment that is ideal for ripening Chenin Blanc grapes.
The wines of Savennières are often characterized by their intense flavors, high acidity, and capability to age well. They are often full-bodied wines with notes of quince, honey, and nuts, and can sometimes have a slight mineral or smoky quality. Sustainability is a major focus for many winemakers in the region, so organic and biodynamic farming methods are common.
There are two particularly notable sub-regions within Savennières: La Roche-aux-Moines and Coulée-de-Serrant. The latter is one of the few vineyards in France to have appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) status for a single estate.
Despite its high quality, Savennières is less well-known than many other French wine regions, in part because of its small size and low production levels.
New vintages of Savennières wines are typically released two to three years after they are harvested to ensure they have had adequate time to mature and develop their complex flavors.
