Description

Charlie and Nadi took on the responsibility of the 10 hectares estate in 1969, the vineyards having already been in the family for several generations. The vineyards are tended without herbicides or fertilisers, plough is done between rows and harvest is by hand.

Their leading wine is Le Bourg, which comes from a 1 hectare plot of 70-year-old Cabernet Franc vines planted on soils comprised of a thin layer of clay. There is also Les Poyeux, from a plot of 45-year-old vines on more sandy soils, and finally for the reds there is the domaine Saumur-Champigny which is produced from other plots.

Le Bourg goes into new oak, Les Poyeux in used one-year-old barrels and the domaine wine in older wood again. There is no fining and no filtration, minimal use of sulphur, and the wine is bottled after 18-24 months in oak.

This wine is from 45 year old vines off a single vineyard and is the definition of grace, poise and elegance. Nice red and dark fruits, fine tannins and lovely acid lift. There is plenty to love about this wine and there will be more in another 5 or so years.