Le Fief Noir - The Soul of the Depths 2022
The Soul of the Depths 2022 from Le Fief Noir intensely expresses the luminous identity of the Loire Chenin, in a broad, deep, and vibrant style typical of great Anjou Blancs. The nose opens with a precise palette blending ripe apple, juicy pear, and fresh quince, accented by a touch of hawthorn and a citrus breath that brings brightness and tension. The palate is immediately generous, supported by a dense texture perfectly balanced by lively freshness. The 2022 vintage, sunny yet remarkably controlled, offers ripe fruit without excess while maintaining the verticality characteristic of the schist terroirs of Domaine Fief Noir. The finish, long and mouthwatering, reveals a vibrant minerality and a subtle noble bitterness that extend the sensation of elegance. This white asserts an intense personality, both precise, indulgent, and deeply rooted in its terroir.
Upon opening, The Soul of the Depths 2022 gains complexity and reveals notes of white peach, beeswax, linden, and light smoke, reflecting the meticulous aging work carried out in barrels and tanks. The texture becomes silkier, almost enveloping, while retaining a tangy backbone that brings balance and finesse. The wine breathes the maturity of the fruit combined with remarkable purity, the result of certified organic viticulture and a parcel-based approach that highlights every nuance of the Anjou schist. The skin tannins, discreet but present, provide structure and a tactile sensation characteristic of high-quality Chenins. The whole remains elegant, vibrant, and infused with a mineral energy that invites the table.
The Soul of the Depths 2022 establishes itself as one of the estate’s major cuvées, a characterful Anjou Blanc built for gastronomy as well as aging. Its natural depth allows it to accompany river fish, pike-perch with beurre blanc, roasted poultry, mushroom risotto, or aged cheeses such as Loire goat cheese or young Comté. Already delicious for its volume, fruity brightness, and perfectly maintained freshness, it will reveal with time more evolved aromas of light honey, wax, dried fruits, and dried flowers. It thus has the potential to evolve harmoniously over several years, gaining complexity without losing its initial energy. It is a great Loire white, both sincere, vibrant, and deeply expressive of its terroir.
Grape variety: Chenin
