Thibaud Boudignon Anjou Blanc, Loire, France

Elegant, profound, and crafted without compromise, the 2022 Thibaud Boudignon Anjou Blanc à François(e) represents one of the Loire Valley’s most compelling expressions of Chenin Blanc. Named in honor of Thibaud Boudignon’s late mother, Françoise, this wine is produced only when it meets the exacting standards worthy of her name. Sourced from some of the estate’s finest vineyards, it combines precision, power, and remarkable finesse, delivering a regal interpretation of Anjou that rewards both contemplation and patience.

Product Details:

• Varietal: 100% Chenin Blanc
• Alcohol Content: 12.5% ABV
• Classification: Anjou AOC
• Vineyard Sources: Finest plots in and around Anjou, including a small parcel in Saint-Lambert
• Vine Age: Approximately 35–40 years
• Production: 30,000 bottles
• Soils: Shallow grey schist, rhyolite (volcanic soil), and sand
• Farming Practices: Organic
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeast fermentation
• Malolactic Fermentation: None
• Vinification: French and Austrian oak barrels of various sizes
• Élevage: Approximately 12 months in 350L and 700L barrels
• New Oak: Approximately 20–30%
• Winemaker: Thibaud Boudignon
• Inspiration: Named in honor of Thibaud’s mother, Françoise, who passed away when he was 17

Sensory Description:

The 2022 Thibaud Boudignon Anjou Blanc à François(e) opens with an intricate bouquet of lemon blossom, chamomile, spearmint, white nectarine, peach, green mango, pineapple, pear, and subtle spice. Delicate notes of toast and cream emerge with aeration, adding further complexity. The palate is medium-bodied yet remarkably concentrated, delivering explosive fruit framed by remarkable precision and mineral tension. Layers of citrus, stone fruit, crisp green apple, and saline minerality unfold across a seamless texture that remains poised despite the vintage's warmth. A subtly reductive character, vibrant acidity, and savory complexity carry through to a long, detailed finish that fans out with elegance, persistence, and a touch of creaminess.

Awards & Accolades:

• 93 Points — Robert Parker Wine Advocate (Yohan Castaing)
• 93 Points — Wine Advocate
• 92 Points — Vinous (Rebecca Gibb)

Winemaker’s Background:

Thibaud Boudignon is widely regarded as one of the Loire Valley’s most meticulous and visionary winemakers. After establishing his estate in Anjou, he quickly gained acclaim for producing site-specific Chenin Blancs that rival the finest white wines of France. Working organically and with minimal intervention, Boudignon focuses on expressing the nuances of his schist- and rhyolite-rich terroirs through careful farming, indigenous fermentations, and restrained oak aging. The François(e) cuvée represents the pinnacle of his work, produced only when he believes the wine lives up to the memory and legacy of his late mother.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the 2022 Thibaud Boudignon Anjou Blanc à François(e) at 50–55°F in a large white wine glass. Pair it with lobster, scallops, roasted turbot, poultry in cream sauce, aged Comté, mushroom dishes, or refined French cuisine. While approachable with decanting, this wine will benefit significantly from cellaring and is expected to evolve beautifully through 2035 and beyond.