Team C&J
The 2022 Éric Chevalier Chardonnay is a testament to this family-run estate’s commitment to quality and sustainability, offering a wine that stands out not only for its exceptional value but also for its unique blend of freshness, complexity, and finesse. At just $22, this Chardonnay is a true gem, delivering a sophisticated and rewarding drinking experience that punches far above its price point.
Domaine Éric Chevalier is situated in the Pays Nantais, a subregion of the Loire Valley, which is famously associated with Muscadet, the crisp, dry white wine made from Melon de Bourgogne. However, the Chevalier family has been working with a variety of grape types, including Chardonnay, for decades. Éric Chevalier, who took over the reins from his father about ten years ago, has brought a fresh perspective to the estate’s winemaking practices, integrating sustainable viticulture methods and gradually steering the estate towards organic certification.
Since taking over, Éric has implemented several key changes to improve the quality of the wines while maintaining their accessibility. He has eliminated herbicide use, focused on plowing the soils to increase biodiversity, and minimized intervention in both the vineyard and the cellar. These sustainable practices allow the vines to thrive in their natural environment, leading to wines that are more expressive of their terroir.
The result of this careful, thoughtful winemaking is a series of wines that capture the essence of the Pays Nantais terroir, where the cooling influence of the Atlantic Ocean imparts a distinctive saline, mineral quality to the wines.
Chardonnay may not be the first grape that comes to mind when one thinks of the Pays Nantais, but Éric Chevalier has proven that this variety can thrive in the region’s maritime climate. The 2022 vintage of his Chardonnay showcases the potential of this grape when grown in the Loire’s Atlantic-influenced terroir, which imparts a saline, mineral-driven character often associated with Muscadet.
The vineyards are located in a region that benefits from the cool Atlantic breezes, which help preserve the natural acidity of the grapes while also imparting a unique mineral quality to the wine. The soils here are composed of clay, schist, and gravel, which contribute to the wine’s crispness and subtle complexity. The cooling influence of the ocean helps the Chardonnay grapes to ripen slowly, developing concentrated flavors while retaining high levels of acidity, a key characteristic of the wine.
Éric Chevalier’s winemaking philosophy is one of minimal intervention, allowing the grapes and the terroir to speak for themselves. This Chardonnay is fermented with native yeasts, which helps to preserve the purity and authenticity of the fruit. The wine is aged entirely in stainless steel tanks, a technique that maintains the freshness and vibrancy of the Chardonnay without introducing the influence of oak.
Unlike many Chardonnays that undergo malolactic fermentation to soften the wine’s acidity and create a creamier texture, this wine retains its high acidity, resulting in a bright, zesty character. The decision to bottle the wine unfiltered further enhances its natural expression, giving the wine a lively, textured mouthfeel and allowing the flavors to fully shine through.
The result is a wine that is clean, focused, and refreshingly pure, with a pronounced minerality that is reflective of the region’s maritime terroir. This approach to winemaking results in a Chardonnay that feels distinctly Loire in style, with a focus on acidity, freshness, and a saline edge, rather than the more common rich and buttery expressions of the grape.
Appearance
In the glass, the wine is a pale lemon color, with a clarity that reflects the precision of its craftsmanship. The wine is star-bright, catching the light beautifully, and its medium viscosity suggests a wine that will have a pleasing weight on the palate without being overly rich or heavy.
Aromatics
On the nose, the wine opens with an intriguing bouquet of fresh fruit and mineral notes. The aromatics are medium-plus in intensity, offering a complex blend of aromas that hint at both the fruit and the terroir. Bright notes of lemon, apple, and peach dominate the forefront, providing a crisp and refreshing entry. These fruit characteristics are layered with subtler nuances of wet gravel and slate, which speak to the wine’s mineral-driven profile.
There’s also an interesting herbal component, with a faint hint of celery adding a touch of earthiness to the otherwise fruit-forward nose. As the wine opens up in the glass, more floral aromas begin to emerge, offering delicate hints of white flowers that enhance the wine’s freshness and complexity.
On the Palate
On the palate, it delivers a bright and lively flavor profile that mirrors its aromatic complexity. The first sip reveals a burst of fresh, juicy fruit, with melon, peach, apple, and pear taking center stage. These fruit flavors are ripe yet restrained, showcasing the wine’s balance between richness and freshness.
As the fruit flavors unfold, they are joined by a distinct mineral character, with notes of slate and wet gravel adding depth and texture to the wine. The wine’s high acidity keeps the flavors crisp and focused, while the low alcohol content (just 11.5%) ensures that the wine remains light and refreshing, perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon or as an aperitif.
The wine also offers a subtle hint of tropical fruit, with pineapple and lemon zest providing an additional layer of brightness. Despite its relatively light body, the wine has a pronounced flavor intensity, with the fruit and mineral elements lingering on the palate through a long, satisfying finish.
The 2022 Éric Chevalier Chardonnay is a shining example of the potential of Chardonnay in the Loire Valley. With its bright, fresh fruit flavors, high acidity, and pronounced minerality, it offers a distinctly Loire expression of the grape that is both refreshing and complex. At just $22, it is a wine that offers exceptional value, delivering a drinking experience that rivals Chardonnays from much more prestigious (and expensive) regions.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just beginning to explore the world of French wines, the 2022 Éric Chevalier Chardonnay is a must-try. Its balance, freshness, and depth make it a standout in its price range, and its versatility ensures that it will be a welcome addition to any wine collection.
France
Loire Valley
Chardonney
11.5
Eric Chevalier
49–55°F / 9–12°C
Chardonnay
N/A
Now to 2030
Domaine Eric Chevalier
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