Les Fresnettes 2021 | Château de Targé | Saumur Blanc

Wine Identification
Les Fresnettes is a white wine produced by Château de Targé, located in Parnay, in the Saumur area of the Loire Valley, France; as a white it falls under the Saumur appellation, since Saumur-Champigny covers only reds. This is the 2021 vintage. The name "Les Fresnettes" references the ash trees (frênes) found on this particular parcel within the estate’s vineyards.

Origin and Winemaking
Château de Targé has been managed by the same family since its founding in 1655, situated on a plateau of tuffeau stone above Parnay in Maine-et-Loire. Edouard Pisani-Ferry took over in 1976, reduced yields and expanded the estate to its current 24 hectares, now run by his son Paul. The vineyards are certified organic as of 2020 and hold HVE distinction. Les Fresnettes is planted exclusively with Chenin Blanc. The soil profile consists of a subsoil of tuffeau covered by a layer of clay and silt ranging from 25 cm to 1 meter in depth.

Vinification begins with hand-harvesting, conducted in two or three successive passes to select grapes only at their optimal maturity point. Following pneumatic pressing, the juice ferments in demi-muids of 400 liters. The wine undergoes aging for nine to twelve months in these same barrels. The barrel rotation policy divides the stock into thirds: one-third new oak, one-third barrels that have held one wine, and one-third barrels that have held two, ensuring a consistent yet evolving profile through successive vintages.

Expected Profile
As a Chenin Blanc from Saumur, this wine is expected to reflect the minerality typical of the tuffeau subsoil, balanced by the structure imparted by barrel fermentation and aging. The use of demi-muids suggests a textured mouthfeel with subtle oxidative notes derived from the mixed-age oak program.

Overall Character
Les Fresnettes 2021 is a carefully crafted expression of Chenin Blanc, rooted in the historic terroir of Château de Targé. Its character is defined by traditional winemaking practices, including selective harvesting and extended aging in neutral-to-fresh oak, resulting in a wine that emphasizes purity, minerality, and structural integrity typical of the Loire’s finest white wines.