Bruno Rochard Moque Souris Chenin 2023

Moque Souris is a Chenin Blanc from the Loire, made by Bruno Rochard at Domaine de Mirebeau and bottled as Vin de France. Rochard farms six hectares organically and works in a natural style, with the stated aim of showing the terroir and the vines with as little intervention as possible, so the wine reflects site rather than cellar additions. Chenin is a high acid, late ripening grape that carries oak and lees ageing well while holding its freshness. This bottling is aged for 12 months in barrel and a further nine months in stainless steel tanks. The long barrel ageing on lees, with slow oxygen exchange through the wood, builds texture, a honeyed, waxy depth and structure, while the extended tank period settles and integrates the wine before bottling. Made naturally, it tends to show more savoury and mineral character than a conventional Chenin. Expect a nose of green apple and pear over honey, beeswax and a touch of toast. The palate is dry and textured, with firm acidity, a saline, slightly phenolic grip and a long finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees.