Le Haie Nardin is a one-hectare lieu-dit of 50-year-old vines on sandy clay over limestone on the Courchamps plateau. The Chevré family has owned and farmed this parcel organically since 1996, and before 2017 the harvest formed part of Roches Neuves Insolite cuvée. Thibaud Chevré explains that the sand-rich terroir here results in his most expressive and approachable wine, something borne out by this fine release. Le Haie Nardin is fermented wild and aged for nine months in 50% stainless steel tank and 50% oak vessels, split between 25-hecolitre foudre and 500-litre demi muid.
In just its’ second release, this is a splendidly controlled and taut Chenin that opens with layers of minerality, salinity and a hint of spice, and progresses through ripe citrus, green apple and preserved lemon fruit. It's an impressive gateway to the wines of this producer, with terrific balance in the mouth and a long sapid finish.