What to drink this summer

2019 Savennières Les Caillardières, Domaine du Closel Dry | White | Still | 13%

These vines are grown on sandstone soils, and are picked around 10 days after La Jalousie, when the skins are a little thicker and beginning to turn golden brown. The wine is aged for 18 months in demi-muids, and the result is a wine that so perfectly captures the essence of Chenin Blanc. This is all crisp russet apple with just a hint of nutty complexity emerging. The palate is, whilst arresting in its freshness, also so silky in texture - a quality Evelyne says is typical of Les Caillardières. This is the dark horse of the Closel cellar: one to drink before the Clos du Papillon perhaps, but capably of giving as much enjoyment from its complex layer.

Ready: 2021 - 2030

2018 Clos de L'Ecotard Saumur Blanc, Thibaud & Michel Chevré Dry | White | Still | 14%

This monopole vineyard is found right on the edge of the Saumur appellation with Anjou. Its highly active limestone with clay soils produces wines that are taut and nervous, even in a warmer year like 2018. The wine is perfectly ripe, remaining fine and fragrant, with a salty freshness and chalky tension. Truly lovely Chenin Blanc.

Ready: 2021 - 2029