2021 Bertin-Delatte, Vingt Neuf Blanc, VdF

Geneviève Delatte and Nicolas Bertin are pivotal figures in the "Anjou Noir" movement, centering their work in the high-voltage community of Rablay-sur-Layon. Their winemaking is deeply influenced by their neighbor and mentor, Richard Leroy, as well as the legendary Mark Angeli (Ferme de la Sansonnière), both of whom set the blueprint for zero-compromise, biodynamic Chenin in the Loire.

Sourced from century-old Chenin Blanc vines rooted in the schist-heavy soils of Rablay-sur-Layon, this Vingt Neuf Blanc is a testament to the rigorous, organic stewardship practiced by Geneviève Delatte and Nicolas Bertin. Their winemaking philosophy prioritizes minimal intervention, utilizing native yeast fermentations and patient maturation in a combination of barrel and tank to provide structural balance without obscuring the site's inherent character. The 2021 vintage, defined by a cool and challenging growing season, favored a slower, more deliberate ripening process, which ultimately preserved intense nerve and tension. The resulting wine is marked by a deep, concentrated materiality, held in check by a relentless, high-toned acidity and a persistent, saline mineral backbone. It is a precise expression of Anjou schist, eschewing opulence for architectural clarity and longevity.