The Epiré Experience
A short while ago, we released our ‘April in Anjou’ mixed case, to welcome in the British summer with a variety of wines from our most beloved region of the Loire. Even after all of these years, and many thousands of miles spent toing and froing across ‘le Jardin de France’, it is one area that consistently captivates, and one we always return to. However, of all the individual appellations, nestled in and around Anjou’s amphitheatres, today we would like to transport you to one in particular, and one specific domaine that is very near and dear to our hearts.
If you are a fan of zesty, mineral, steely and age worthy white wines, then there are few places on the planet held in higher regard, than the appellation of Savennieres. If the Loire had Grand Crus, then Savennieres would be one of them. Amongst the many notable domaines here, the wines of the historic and highly revered estate of Chateau d’Epiré, are something special. We have had the great pleasure of working with the wonderfully pure Savennieres here for many years and the wines have always been firm favourites. A visit here never fails to titillate our taste buds and leave us giddy.
The ancient and picturesque Chateau, has been in the Bizard family since the 17th Century and is managed today by Paul Bizard, who took over from his father Luc in 2018. The domaine specialises in very traditional, bone dry, steely whites, made from schist soils, with naturally high levels of acidity and aging potential. The vineyards, which surround the Chateau, are worked traditionally and meticulously. Paul places great importance on cultivating the soils and does not believe in changing the way the vineyards are managed to 'follow a trend'. Grass is grown between the rows and strict, manual pruning, helps restrict yields. This all helps to allow the grapes to reach astounding levels of natural ripeness, and results in wines which, although delightful to drink whilst young, age and evolve in wonderous ways. If you have not been exposed to the wines of this appellation before, do yourself a favour and treat yourself to the Epiré experience!
Today’s ‘The Epiré Experience’ special offer mixed case, contains a small selection of their range. The ‘Le Parc’ is where you should begin, and is the perfect introduction to the Epiré style, more accessible and fruit driven. The ‘Cuvée Speciale’ is then a grand step up and has always been a highlight of the range. Complex, structured, intense, and incredibly rich, this is a truly special wine, and is really coming into its own with a few years of age. Then it is all capped off with the sensational limited release Maître de Chais cuvée, which was the 'baby' of Epire's cellar master Christophe. Produced from 'the Heart of the Cuvée' press juice, this really is an exceptional Savennieres, with the same line and mineral expression as the Cuvee Speciale, but with much greater intensity, gras and length.
These are wines that are delicious on their own, but with their natural acidic structure, make for incredible food wines. Although they can hold up alongside most foods, they go particularly well with a variety of fish dishes, poultry, risottos and dishes with creamy sauces and with mushrooms. All the cuvées are available individually as well as part of the mixed case.
Enjoy your Epiré experience!
The ‘Epiré Experience’ Mixed Case is available as a six-bottle or a three-bottle mixed case, containing either 2x or 1x each of the following wines:
2018 Savennieres ‘Le Parc’
2015 Savennieres ‘Maître de Chais’
2016 Savennieres ‘Cuvée Speciale’
Three Bottle Mixed Case
Normal Retail Price - £65.40
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL PRICE - £61.95
Six Bottle Mixed Case
Normal Retail Price - £130.80
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL PRICE - £116.95
If you would like to find out more about the individual cuvées that make up this mixed case, click on the link to one of the product pages.