Domaine de la Paleine “Esprit de Chenin” is a dry Loire Valley white wine poured at Grappa in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. It is a Chenin Blanc from Saumur, grown near the collegiate church of Puy-Notre-Dame, made by Laurence and Mark Vincent at Domaine de la Paleine. We keep it on our list for its taut minerality and pure fruit, a refined expression of one of the Loire’s great white grapes.
About the Winery
Domaine de la Paleine lies in the heart of the Loire Valley, near Puy-Notre-Dame. Laurence and Mark Vincent took over the estate in 2005 and have farmed biodynamically, with Demeter certification, since 2017. Beneath the domaine run roughly 1.5 kilometers of galleries carved into the tuffeau limestone, where the wines rest in cool, stable conditions.
Region & Grape
This wine is from the Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame appellation in the Loire Valley, France, made entirely from Chenin Blanc. The vines grow on chalky tuffeau-influenced soils that lend the wine its signature minerality. It ferments with native yeasts and ages in stainless steel, preserving freshness and purity.
Tasting Notes
The aroma offers citrus, pear, and fresh orchard fruit with a stony, mineral lift. The palate is dry and finely tensioned, with bright acidity and a clear chalky character drawn from the tuffeau limestone. The finish is long, fresh, and mineral.
What to Pair It With
This Chenin Blanc is a wonderful partner for seafood and lighter dishes. Try it with our Fresh Oysters, Italian Branzino, or Roasted Lemon Chicken. Browse the full dine-in menu for more.
How It’s Served at Grappa
We offer Domaine de la Paleine “Esprit de Chenin” by the bottle for $90.
FAQ
Where is Esprit de Chenin from?
It is from the Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame appellation in the Loire Valley, France, made by Domaine de la Paleine from 100% Chenin Blanc.
What does Esprit de Chenin taste like?
It tastes of citrus, pear, and orchard fruit with a stony minerality, a dry, finely tensioned palate, and a long, fresh finish.
Is Esprit de Chenin dry?
Yes. It is a dry Chenin Blanc with bright acidity and pronounced tuffeau limestone minerality.
When you visit, book a table, browse the full wine list, and explore the dine-in menu.
