Arnaud Lambert AOC Saumur Blanc Clos du Midi Brézé 2024
Sis. ALV 25,5%
The "Electric Refreshment" – Brézé’s Purest Expression
The Vibe
If Clos de la Bourguenne is the heavy-weight intellectual, Clos de Midi is the high-energy athlete. This is Arnaud Lambert’s most famous white wine, acting as the perfect gateway to the "Hill of Brézé."
Interestingly, as of the 2022 vintage, you might notice the label simply says "Midi" instead of "Clos de Midi." This is because a small access road was cut through the vineyard, technically breaking the "Clos" (walled enclosure) status—but don't worry, the wine is exactly the same high-voltage Chenin Blanc it has always been. It’s designed to be "laser-sharp," mineral-driven, and incredibly refreshing.
The Nose
The nose is like a "spring morning in a bottle." It hits you with high-toned citrus (lemon zest and lime) and crunchy green apple. Because the vineyard sits on a colder, north-east facing slope of Brézé, it maintains a beautiful floral lift of honeysuckle and linden flower. There is a distinct "ashy" or "stony" mineral scent—think crushed chalk and wet river stones—that is the hallmark of Lambert's limestone terroir.
The Taste
On the palate, Clos de Midi is all about tension and "crunch." It is bone-dry and medium-bodied, with a vibrating acidity that makes your mouth water instantly. You’ll taste white peach, pear skin, and a touch of ginger spice. Lambert usually blocks malolactic fermentation here, so the wine keeps its "electric" edge. The finish is incredibly clean, with a saline (salty) snap that makes it one of the best food-pairing whites in the Loire.
📋 Product Specs
| Feature | Reality |
| Origin | Brézé, Saumur Blanc, Loire Valley |
| Grape | 100% Chenin Blanc (Vines ~40 years old) |
| Terroir | Sandy-silt topsoil over Tuffeau limestone |
| Vinification | Mostly stainless steel (90%) with a tiny bit of old oak (10%) |
| Vintages | 2023: Balanced and juicy; 2024: Very fresh/high tension |
| Alcohol | 12.5% - 13.0% |
| Critical Score | 91-94 Points (James Suckling / Wine Review Online) |
Best Paired With:
-
The "Raw" Match: Oysters, sashimi, or a classic ceviche.
-
The "Zest" Choice: Asparagus with lemon butter or a fresh goat cheese (Chèvre) salad.
-
The Crowd-Pleaser: Fish tacos or a simple roast chicken with herbs.
Pro Tip
In 2026, the 2023 and 2024 vintages are your best bet for that youthful, "zingy" experience. Unlike the Bourguenne, this wine is meant to be enjoyed for its primary energy, though it can easily age for 5–7 years. Serve it well-chilled (8–10°C). It’s the perfect "aperitif" wine—it wakes up the palate like nothing else.
Wine Details
- Grape Chenin Blanc
- Country France
- Region Loire
- Producer Arnaud Lambert
- Classification AC Saumur
- Alcohol 13.0%
- Volume 750