Eric Morgat Anjou Litus Blanc 2010

Coming from a family that has cultivated the terroirs of Anjou for more than two centuries, Eric Morgat established his own domaine in 1995 at the age of 25 in the Savenniéres appellation. The vineyard was created entirely by purchasing and hand-restoring five parcels that had gone wild or been abandoned. He selected the best terroirs, and though difficult to work, they all carried great promise. Today he cultivates 6 hectares, planted entirely with Chenin blanc and certified organic since 2007 and biodynamic since the 2012 vintage. Now and then he sows seedlings of specific flowers in the rows which, after flowering, are incorporated into and orient the life of the soil. The gentleness of Anjou belies a more austere reality. Here the vine grows on the lower foothills of the Massif Armoricain. The soil is harsh, being composed of schist or volcanic rock, without limestone or clay to hold moisture any summertime rejuvenation. Rainfall is low - only 400 to 600 mm annually - despite the influence of the ocean, which sends gentle, humid air to the region. Grapes are harvested by hand and transported in small crates to the press. Eric's sensibilities really shine here as the fruit is sorted with utmost attention and care, a selection process that prizes optimum ripeness, but guards against anything over-ripe. Eric's yields range from 20 to 30 hl/ha.