Savennières: A ‘demanding’ wine

The “intense and austere” flavors of Savennières are not easy to pin down, said Eric Asimov in The New York Times. This “demanding wine,” made in France’s Loire Valley from Chenin Blanc grapes, can feature notes of beeswax, saline, and citrus. Learning to love such a complex white can require “more effort than many people would wish to devote to a beverage.”

2007 Nicolas Joly Les Clos Sacrés ($52)

Our favorite. This “rich and round” wine featured flavors of saline, citrus, and spice.

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2006 Domaine du Petit Métris Clos de la Marche ($28)

“Elegant, lively, and vibrant,” this wine tasted of honeysuckle and minerals.

2007 Château d’Epiré ($20)

The best value of the Savennières we tried, this wine was “deep and complex with beautiful floral and wax aromas.”