Chateau de Bonnezeaux Vin de France Prieur des Noues 2022

Prieur des Noues is the newest chapter in the remarkable revival of Château de Bonnezeaux — a tiny 0.77-hectare, east-facing parcel of young vines planted in 2010 and 2011 on soils built on sandstone-schist, threaded with clay and silt. For years its fruit simply disappeared into the estate's multi-vintage blend, Inter-Val; only recently has Guyonne Saclier de la Bâtie decided the parcel has enough character to stand on its own, making this one of the domaine's most exciting new single-site bottlings. As with everything at Bonnezeaux, the approach is scrupulously hands-off: hand-harvested fruit, gentle pressing, spontaneous fermentation on indigenous yeasts, and an unhurried élevage designed to protect freshness and the parcel's saline, schist-driven character rather than layer it with oak — all with minimal sulphur and a light touch throughout.

The result is Chenin at its most lifted and precise: citrus, green apple, white flowers, and a whisper of flint on the nose, leading into a palate that's direct and vivacious, clean fruit carried along by lively, saline acidity. It finishes taut and bright, all citrus zest and chalky mineral drive — a wine built on nerve and purity rather than weight, reflecting both its youthful vines and its schist-heavy terroir.