Pierre Menard Laika Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Pierre Menard is one of the few young winemakers removing the stake which anchored the Layon to Botrytised sweet wines. Instead, in an iconoclastic approach, he is crafting some of the region’s most exciting wines - meditative, dry wines, bursting with texture, a constant reflection of terroir.

Hailing from a family of growers in Fay d’Anjou, whose grapes were all originally sold to the co-op, Pierre travelled to Angers to study winemaking. From there he ventured around the world making wine, acquiring steadfast knowledge in the likes of Canada, New Zealand and Hungary. Pierre returned home to the family farm and in 2013 and began making his own wine. From vines up to 100 years old, whose grapes were originally destined for the co-op, Pierre produced arresting wines which immediately achieved virtuous acclaim. From here, Pierre has spearheaded a dry wines renaissance in the Layon.

This Sauvignon Blanc has an elegant and very expressive nose; grapefruit, touch of pineapple and leafy blackcurrants - all very "Sauvignonne". The mouth is quite unusual for the grape variety though: round, ample and enveloping, almost fleshy, more in a Chenin Blanc style. The finish is tense and vertical, with a lovely lingering minerality. Either you are a Sauvignon Blanc stan or a hater, you need to try what Pierre is doing here.