Brendan Stater-West 'L'ardillon' Saumur Blanc 2022 (100ml)

Brendan Stater-West is an American-born winemaker who settled in Saumur after working with Romain Guiberteau, whose influence still echoes through his style. He farms Chenin on tuffeau soils and makes wines of real depth.

There is a sense of restraint and clarity in his approach, and his small production quantities add to the demand. Stater-West has become one of the Loire’s most interesting young producers, offering a thoughtful and precise take on Saumur.

France’s wine story begins with Greek settlers, Roman farmers and medieval monasteries that shaped famous regions. It remains the benchmark for many of the world’s classic wine styles, built on a deep history of regional identity and an appellation system designed to protect it. AOC rules outline where grapes can be grown and how wines are made, giving structure to places such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and the Rhône. Key grapes like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah all find their most famous expressions here, alongside countless regional varieties.

From the driven whites of the Loire to the rich blends of the south, French wine is ultimately about clarity of origin and a commitment to balance, and modern France continues to evolve, combining precise regional traditions with a renewed focus on sustainability and site expression.

The Loire Valley stretches across a wide sweep of France and is defined by variety, structure and strong regional identity. In the east, Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are known for precise Sauvignon Blanc with a consistently complex and ageworthy profile.
Moving west, Vouvray showcases the versatility of Chenin Blanc across dry sparkling and long-lived styles. Anjou and Saumur offer a mix of Chenin-based whites and structured reds, while Saumur-Champigny is recognised for particularly refined Cabernet Franc with real ageing potential.
Further toward the coast, Chinon specialises in quality red wines, and the Nantais delivers classic Muscadet, known for its clarity and ability to pair with seafood.

The Loire remains one of France’s most diverse and reliably characterful regions.