Arnaud Lambert AOC Saumur Blanc Bourguenne 2019/2022

The "Grand Cru" of Brézé – Chenin Blanc with a Burgundian Soul

The Vibe

If you are looking for the absolute peak of what Arnaud Lambert produces, you’ve found it. Clos de la Bourguenne is a tiny, 0.3-hectare Monopole (a vineyard owned entirely by one person) sitting on the legendary Hill of Brézé.

Historically, the wines from Brézé were so highly regarded that they were exchanged barrel-for-barrel with Château d'Yquem. Lambert treats this site like a Burgundian Grand Cru. While his Clos de Midi is fresh and zesty, the Bourguenne is deep, contemplative, and incredibly long-lived. In 2026, the 2021 and 2022 vintages are the ones to watch—the former for its "electric" acidity and the latter for its sun-kissed power.

The Nose

This is an expansive, "noble" nose. It starts with classic Chenin notes of quince, bruised apple, and honey, but quickly dives into the "Brézé effect": a massive, smoky limestone minerality that smells like crushed chalk. Because it is aged for 20–24 months in oak and concrete, you also get sophisticated layers of toasted hazelnuts, beeswax, and a faint hint of ginger spice.

The Taste

On the palate, Bourguenne is broad, voluminous, and vertical. It has a "dry extract" feel, meaning it feels dense and grippy on the tongue. You’ll taste ripe pear and lemon curd, but the wine is really defined by its racy, vibrating acidity. It finishes with a stunning saline (salty) snap that lingers for a long time. It’s a powerful white wine that manages to feel completely weightless and elegant.

📋 Product Specs

Best Paired With:

• The "Luxe" Match: Scallops with a saffron cream sauce or lobster tail with clarified butter.

• The Earthy Choice: Roasted veal with chanterelle mushrooms or a truffle-infused risotto.

• The Cheese: Aged Selles-sur-Cher goat cheese or a nutty Comté.

Pro Tip

In 2026, the 2019 and 2020 vintages are entering their most beautiful "honeyed" phase, while the 2021 is still quite "nervous" and needs air. This is not a wine to drink straight from the fridge. Decant it for 1 hour and serve at 12–14°C in a large Burgundy-style glass. It is a wine built to age for 15–20 years.