Spilite is a word to look out for when you're selecting Loire valley Chenin Blanc. It's a particular sort of basalt that occurs in pockets among the limestone at the heart of Anjou's long, vineyard crested ridge. Vineyards grown among Spilite tend to produce Chenin with unusual intensity and textural definition. Famille Ogereau long coveted such a plot of Chenin Blanc, and when it became available, they jumped at the chance. It's no mystery why when tasting this wine, with classic notes of Anjou pear, baked apple, and orange zest mixed in among Chenin's lightly earthy soil notes and honeycomb this is a perfect example of Chenin Blanc, but somehow turned all the way up, so the aromas have more clarity and the palate is intense and resonant.