The 2023 vintage in the Loire region marks a return to a certain classicism. After the sunny years of 2022 and 2020, and the difficult year of 2021 (frosts), 2023 offered us perhaps what the Loire does best: accomplished maturity, preserved acidity, and fine, fresh wines.
The Year's Climate
Mild Winter, Cool Spring
Winter without severe cold (no tradition of frost), early budding. But spring shifted: April and May were cool and rainy, slowing growth. Flowering was delayed by about ten days compared to the average.
Balanced Summer, No Heatwave
July was hot but not extreme, August was milder with some welcome rain. No maturation block as in 2022.
Blessed September
The key month. A beautiful alternation of warm days and cool nights—the dream scenario for phenolic ripeness without loss of acidity. The grapes had plenty of time to ripen slowly.
Harvest at the Manoir
Harvest began on September 20th for the whites, extending until October 10th for the single-vineyard Cabernet Francs. Manual, by successive passes depending on the ripeness of each parcel. Yields were slightly below average—quality above.
2023 Wine Profile
The Cabernet Francs
Floral, with notes of raspberry and violet, fine tannins. Bagatelle and Tête de Lard 2023 are already very approachable—which is rare. Estimated aging potential: 8 to 12 years.
The Chenins (Dry)
Very mineral profile, nice tension, lemony finish. A beautiful example of Loire Chenin that remains direct without drying out. Tête d'Ange 2023 promises a long aging potential.
Confidential Grape Varieties
Grolleau Gris was particularly successful this year—lively, crisp, pink grapefruit. Pineau d'Aunis retains its characteristic peppery side.
When to Drink Them?
The fruity reds are already very good to drink now. The single-vineyard wines will benefit from 2-3 years of aging. The Chenins can be drunk now, but will also refine with 5-10 years.
Availability
The 2023 Cabernet Francs have been bottled since spring 2025. The Chenins will arrive in autumn 2025 (longer aging). → See available cuvées
A member of the Manoir Club? You receive the 2023s with priority allocation as soon as they are bottled.