A brilliant example of all we love in Chenin Blanc. Opulent nose, full of apples fresh, fallen, browned, stewed. Then bright acidity, orchard fruit, and a lengthy chalky finish. Effortless.

In Saumur-Puy-Notre-Dame, in the Loire, there's one couple who have surely had a bigger impact on the area than any other recent growers: Melanie Hunin and Aymeric Hillaire, of Mélaric. Picking up where the legendary Philippe Gourdon left off (Gourdon retired in the mid 2000s and leased his biodynamic vineyards to the pair), they've since found a cluster of young growers to take on the remaining parcels.

With Melanie teaching winemaking nearby (counting David of La Folle Berthe and Beatriz of Clos Kixhaya among her recent students ) and Aymeric offering experience and assistance to budding winemakers in the region, they've worked tirelessly to support new projects in the area. There's a genuine sense of community in Puy-Notre-Dame, with growers working together to support each other's projects, much credit for which must go to the energy to Aymeric and Melanie.

Style: Still

Colour: White

Producer: Mélaric (Melanie Hunin and Aymeric Hillaire)

Country: France

Region: Le Puy-Notre-Dame, Saumur, Loire

Grapes: Chenin Blanc

Sulphur: Less than 20mg/l added at bottling

ABV: 11.5%