Chateau Yvonne was first founded by monks in the 16th century, though was resuscitated to life post-abandonment by Jean-Francois and Yvonne Lamunière 500 years later. Today, Matthieu Vallée farms the estate’s 11 hectares all organically & biodynamically and implements a hands-off mentality in the cellar. Fruit for their Saumur Blanc grows in clay and limestone over tuffeau stone soils and is hand-harvested. Grapes are then native yeast fermented in barrels at cool temperatures, with malo occurring naturally. The wine then ages in oak (20%) new for 12 months and the wine is bottled unfined/unfiltered. Unctuous yet balanced by refreshing acidity, this top-notch Chenin is a benchmark bottle for the region, marked by intense flavors of green apple, pear, juicy yellow peach, and rain-kissed rocks.