Dom. des Treize Vents Clos de Galerne Cedric Bourez Anjou Blanc Balade en Chenin 2023 MAGNUM

Domaine des Treize Vents / Le Clos Galerne "Balade en Chenin" 2023

The "Stony Symphony" – A Masterclass in Anjou Volcanic Terroir

In May 2026, the 2023 "Balade en Chenin" in Magnum is a true prize. While the estate is increasingly known as Le Clos Galerne (led by Myriam and Cédric Bourez), it is located at the historic Chemin des Treize Vents in Saint-Aubin-de-Luigné. The 2023 vintage in Anjou was marked by a classic luminosity that allowed Chenin Blanc to achieve perfect physiological ripeness while maintaining its crystalline, volcanic-soil energy.

A Magnum of this wine is particularly special; the larger format slows the oxygenation process, preserving the wine's "electric" citrus core while allowing the stony, savory complexities of the schist and spilite soils to broaden out.

🍷 Tasting Notes (2026 Perspective)

In a magnum format, the 2023 is currently showing immense youthful energy with a "grand cru" weight that far exceeds its Anjou Blanc classification.

• The Nose: Floral and Precise. It opens with a vivid bouquet of elderflower, jasmine, and white peach. Because of the 2023 sunshine, there are deeper notes of confit citrus and honeyed almonds, balanced by a distinct gunflint and wet stone minerality.

• The Palate: Textural and Vibrant. The entry is "rich yet weightless." You’ll find a core of ripe pear and golden apple, supported by a silky, lees-aged texture (11 months on the fine lees). The mid-palate has a beautiful "verticality"—a direct result of the vines growing on shallow schist and volcanic spilite.

• The Finish: Long and Saline. It concludes with a mouth-watering saline snap and a hint of grapefruit zest, leaving a clean, stony impression that invites another sip.

📋 Technical Snapshot

Pro Tip

This wine is often confused with Jean-Christophe Garnier’s "13 Vents" (which is a natural/no-sulfur expression from the same area). The Clos Galerne / Domaine des Treize Vents style is more "classical"—focused on purity, stability, and extreme mineral definition.

The Serving Tip: Serve at 11°C–13°C. Do not serve it straight from the fridge; a magnum takes longer to come to temperature, and serving it too cold will mask the delicate elderflower and peach aromatics.

The Pairing:

• The "Coastal" Match: Its saline finish and volcanic structure make it a brilliant partner for Grilled Scallops with a lemon-butter sauce or Lobster.

• The "Land" Match: Exceptional with Roasted Pork with orchard fruits (apples or pears) or a Creamy Chicken fricassee.

• Finnish Twist: A spectacular match for Smoked Whitefish (Savusiika) or Crayfish (Rapu). The wine's stone-fruit sweetness complements the meat, while the mineral tension cuts through the smoke.