Domaine Belargus was established in 2018 by entrepreneur Ivan Massonnat, with the ambition of restoring the Loire Valley's greatest Chenin Blanc vineyards to the highest level. Under the direction of winemaker Adrien Moreau, the estate farms approximately 24 hectares across some of the Loire's most prestigious sites, including Savennières and Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru. Certified organic, Belargus focuses on meticulous vineyard management, indigenous yeast fermentation and long élevage to produce terroir-driven wines of exceptional precision and ageing potential. The domaine has rapidly become one of the Loire Valley's benchmark producers.

Les Gaudrets is sourced from several south-east-facing parcels situated on the plateau above the village of Savennières. The vineyard is planted on fine aeolian sand over black schist, a combination that produces a more floral and approachable expression of Savennières while retaining the appellation's hallmark minerality and structure. The grapes are hand-harvested, fermented with native yeasts and matured for approximately 13 months in large oak vats and 400-litre French oak barrels before bottling.

The 2018 vintage is elegant rather than opulent, offering aromas of white flowers, quince, Mirabelle plum, citrus blossom, white peach and crushed stone. The palate is silky and refined, with vibrant acidity supporting flavours of orchard fruit, verbena, green almond and saline minerality. A subtle phenolic grip and lingering quinine note provide structure, leading to a long, focused finish. Although approachable now, the wine has the balance and concentration to evolve beautifully for two decades or months.

" Alluring with notes of quince, white raspberry, verbena and green almond. Electric acidity cuts through the wine's suave texture, with mineral and quinine accents lingering on the finish. " -- James Suckling

" Praised its bright bouquet of crushed stones, white flowers, citrus and Mirabelle plum. The palate is silky, elegant and beautifully balanced, finishing with iodine-like minerality and remarkable persistence. " -- Wine Advocate

" Highlighted its vibrant combination of quince, white raspberry, verbena and mineral notes, recommending cellaring for additional complexity. " -- Wine Spectator

" Commended the wine's purity, freshness and mineral precision, recognising it as a refined expression of Savennières. " -- Decanter