Wonderful European-Asian fusion dinner at MICHELIN Guide star level with friends at L'Arome, right next to the Schauspiel Frankfurt in Frankfurt's banking district. Chef/ Owner Hải Hoàng Minh worked with Alfred Friedrich, a 2-star Michelin chef, for 10 years. L'Arome is his first own high-end restaurant. There is only 1 menu and you have a choice between 4 (Euro 116) to 6 (Euro 146) courses. The excellent wines we had were all around Euro 70. The wine list is oriented towards blue-chip producers. 3 of us went for 5 courses and 4 for 6 courses, with 10 bottles of wine: Euro 285 per person including tip. 

This was the group's second visit and we will certainly be back soon.

L’Arôme Menü

4 Gänge ohne Steinbutt & Wachtel [116 Euro | Optionale Weinbegleitung 40 Euro] | 5 Gänge ohne Wachtel [132 Euro | 48 Euro] | 6 Gänge [146 Euro | 56 Euro]

The Frankfurter (Barbara Goerlich)  - UBOWL & L'AROME

Mainlust Desche Otto in Schwanheim, owned and run by partners in life and in business, Claudia Orlinsky and Louie Hölzinger, is my place to go when I am in Frankfurt. See: Stopover in Frankfurt: 3 Nights at Zur Mainlust Desche Otto in Frankfurt/ Schwanheim - From Washington DC (USA) to Nantes (France) for 2024 Loire by ombiasy WineTours, led by Annette Schiller

Louie is well-connected in the Frankfurt gastro-scene. One of his favorite places for lunch is Bella Donna in Sachsenhausen, close to Apfelwein Adolf Wagner and Das Gemahlte Haus. 

I joined Louie for lunch at Bella Donna last Thursday as did Harry Hotze, lawyer and a long-time friend of Louie.

Bella Donna 

Trip Advisor: The food is good, the portions, from an American perspective, perhaps a little small. The staff is great, and they will remember you the next time you visit- even if it is only a few times a year. I especially enjoyed the family atmosphere. Not just the customers, but, the staff. They smile and will chat with you (in mixed Italian-English-German, at least with me) and then you hear them quietly go in the kitchen and shout to each other in Italian (very much like family kitchens from my youth) and then they come out again all pleasant and nice. I have been there many times where it was full and no seating was available...so make a reservation on a weekend.

Trip Advisor:  Bella Donna, a family owned and managed place, tiny, be prepared to sit very close to each other, where simplicity is key and money is the boss. I mean money, hard money, cash money because yes, in times of transparent bookkeeping and traceability of credit cards, this place accepts the real deal, hard currency, cash, or I suspect even golden coins of the Roman empire. The kitchen itself is simple, humble, focus on few ingredients. Traditional? Yes. Home Cooking? Also. But that's where it stops. It is all quite basic and menu shows quite some dishes with "price of the day"......which makes the Pugliese cuisine in this place rather expensive, for what you get, simple ingredients, like at home.

Lunch

The 3 of us had two bottles of wine, antipasti, pasta and dessert as suggested by the owner. Restaurantguru.com:  Seit beinahe 30 Jahren und niemals nur mittelklasse - Nein, der Italiener Schlechthin. Wein. Essen. Preise. Familia. Wer den nicht mag hat keinen Geschmack für Italien.

Two domaines under one roof: Visit at Domaine Gadais Père et Fils and Domaine de la Combe/ Pierre-Henri Gadais in Saint Fiacre-sur-Maine, Muscadet Sévre et Maine, Pays Nantais, with Owner/ Winemaker Christoph Gadais

Domaine Gadais Père et Fils exists as a mixed farming estate since before the French Revolution. In 1947 Louis Gadais decided to concentrate only on wine production. In 1958 they wrote history when Franck Schoonmaker, an importer of high-quality French wines paid them a visit and started to import Gadais Muscadet wines into the US. 

Today, it is Christoph Gadais, fifth generation, and his son Pierre-Henri Gadais, great-grandson of two brilliant Loire winemakers – Louis Gadais in the Muscadet region and Henri Bourgeois in the Sancerre region (whom we will visit on the last day of this wine tour) who are running the domaine. 

In addition, Pierre-Henri Gadais started his own domaine, Domaine de la Combe. 

Domaine Gadais Père et Fils wines are imported by Peter Weygandt and Domaine de la Combe by terresblanchewines of Cason Love in Richmond, Virginia, a former employee of Peter Weygandt.

Domaine Gadais Père et Fils (Domaine Gadais Père et Fils)

Producer Information

Domaine: Domaine de la Combe

Country: France

Region: Loire Valley

Sub Region/Commune: Muscadet (cellar and vines in the village of St-Fiacre-sur-Maine)

Size: 15 hectares

Farming: Organic

Arriving

 

In the Vineyard

 

In the Cellar

 

 Tasting

The Wines

From Nantes we moved to Angers. 

Aperitif

First Course

Live from the Kitchen

Main Courses - Fish or Meat

Amazing Dessert

Coffee 

The Wines

Bye-bye

2024 Loire by ombiasy Wine Tours, led by Annette Schiller, took place from Sunday, June 9 to Thursday June 20, 2024. The tour started in Nantes and ended in Sancerre. 

Anjou-Saumur 

Today, we scouted out the Anjou-Saumur wine region. The maritime influence fades and one can sense the shift towards a continental climate. Anjou and Saumur’s most famous grapes are Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet-Franc. However, we also tasted fantastic wines made from a range of other grapes mostly unfamiliar to us until now.

Two subregions meet and here are the most prominent wines of the regions:

Anjou: 

dry white wines: Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, where Savennières is the top region for Chenin Blanc; noble sweet Chenin Blanc along the Layon river, a tributary of the Loire; 

red wines: Cabernet Franc, Gamay and blends; the well-known Rosé d’Anjou, mostly a blend of Cabernet Franc and Grolleau.

Saumur: 

red wines from Cabernet Franc, where Champigny is the most prominent region; 

and for the bubbles afficionados: Crémant de Loire.

In the morning we explored the AOP Savennières appellation.

The fact that great Chenin Blanc, bursting with power, depth, elegance, and freshness, are produced in the Loire Valley, in particular in Savennières, is not on everyone’s radar. These wines compete with the great Chardonnays of Burgundy. The reputation comes from some seriously strict regulations in the AOP Savennières concerning vinification: Chenin Blanc is the only grape allowed in the region, harvesting must be by hand, and mandatory low yields guaranty optimal flavor and ripeness in each grape.

Visit at Château d’Épiré, AOP Savennières, Anjou

Château d’Épiré is one of the oldest and most prominent wine estates in the Loire Valley. It was founded in the 17 th century and has never been sold. 

Originally the castle and wine estate belonged to the Pons de Las Cases family. (For the history buffs among us: after Napoleon was shipped to the island of St. Helena, he dictated his memoires to Emmanuel Pons de las Cases.) The widow of Emmanuel Pons de las Cases was childless and had no heirs. When she died in 1882 she bequeathed the castle and wine estate to her closest friend Théophile Bizard. He settled down in Épiré and continued with the wine production tradition. 

Today the fifth generation, Paul Bizard manages the estate. They farm 25 acres in the best part of the Savennière appellation, planted with Chenin Blanc. 

The small village of Savennières is perched on a rocky plateau 40 meters above the Loire river. The vineyards slope down in a perfect south-southwest exposure.

The estates winemaking and storage facilities are in a unique location: a half buried underground roman-catholic church, built in the 12 th century by Cistercian monks, serves as perfect facility. The one meter thick walls keep the temperature stable inside and year around. 

Château d’Épiré produces 3 top dry cuvées, which are all quite different. The mainstream “Château d’Épiré” is fermented and matured in stainless steel. The “Cuvée Spéciale” comes from a ½ acre parcel of unusual black stones terroir and is fermented and matures in old barriques. The “Hu-Boyau” comes from the oldest plot and is fermented and matured for 9 months in 18 year old oak barrels undergoing malolactic fermentation.

Winemaker/ Owner Paul Bizard was busy in the wine cellar while we were there. After a peak at the winemaking facilities, an employee took us on quite long vineyard walk, where we had a magnificient view of the whole reagion. The visit ended with a tasting in the tasting room. 

Château d’Épiré  is represented in the USA by Kyrmit Lynch Wine Merchant in Berkeley.

Château d’Épiré  (Kyrmit Lynch Wine Merchant)

Paul Bizard, the new generation in charge at this historic Loire Valley property, has wasted no time in showing his youthful energy and ambition since taking over management. His very first step was to initiate an organic conversion, a monumental challenge in a place defined by a stormy oceanic climate and unforgivingly rocky soils. This latest release suggests his work is already paying off, as it stands among the most expressive young Savennières Epiré has bottled. The fleshiness on the palate reflects the Loire’s sunny 2022 summer, yet it finishes dry and chiseled as ever, with lingering notes of acacia blossom and stone. —Tom Wolf

Arriving

Vineyard Walk

Tasting

Packing

Winemaker/ Owner Paul Bizard

The visit at Château des Vaults, Domaine du Closel in Savennières, Anjou, was quite extensive. Owner Evelyne de Pontbriand was host for the whole visit. We even had lunch with her with a private chef in her private dining room, which will be covered in a separate posting.

We started out with a walk to the vineyards. We walked back to the wine cellar where we had a tasting from barrel. Then, we sat down in the private library of Evelyne de Pontbriand for the aperitif with a tasting of 3 wines. The visit ended with a high-end lunch hosted by Evelyne de Pontbriand in her private dining room. The lunch will be covered in a separate posting.

Domaine du Closel in Savennières, Anjou, is represented by Louis Dressner in the USA.

Château des Vaults, Domaine du Closel in Savennières, Anjou

Domaine du Closel is located in the appellation of Savennières and produces some of the most beautiful Chenin Blanc wines. The property, the impressive Château des Vaults, was first mentioned in 1495. The château we see today was rebuilt in the 19 th century and the park was created in 1850. At that time the family of Emmanuel de Las Cases, biographe of Napoleon, inherited the château and a line of female winemakers and estate managers was born. 

In 2001 Evelyne de Pontbriand, a literary scholar, who had lived and worked in the US and Germany, took over the reins. The 35 acres of vineyards are spread out on the most western hill of Savennières and the best plots are Les Caillardières and Clos du Papillon. Evelyne de Pontbriand is a lover of botanics and nature. She immediately started the conversion to organic and biodynamic viticulture and today the domain is certified organic and biodynamic by Ecocert and Demeter. Evelyn’s goal is to make wines that are expressing their origins. She says: “Thanks to grassing and plowing, the life of the soil is respected, the soil’s micro-organisms are active: oxygen comes into action allowing maximum exchanges between soil and vine. This is how we obtain the famous terrior effect: combination of soil, the precocity of its warming, plant material, and light.”

Domaine du Closel (Louis Dressner)

Château des Vaults in Savennières dates back to 1495, and was inherited by Michèle de Jessey in 1962 from her childless aunt Madame du Closel. Michèle and Jacques de Jessey turned the small family estate into Domaine du Closel. The entire vineyard is located on the most western hill of Savennières and includes some of the best parcels in the AOC: Les Caillardières and Clos du Papillon. The topsoil is shallow, very warm and consists of purple/green schist and sandstone enriched with volcanic rocks (quartz, phtanites, ryolites and spilites) in the best areas.

Evelyne de Pontbriand, Michèle and Jacques' daughter, took over the estate in 2001 after a first career of teaching French literature to adults all over the world. As a lover of botanics and nature, she quickly adopted organic viticulture, which continues to be an experimental learning process. She is constantly searching for cultural practices best adapted to the austere terroirs of Savennières and has deeply changed vinification practices in the cellar. Vinification is done very naturally and with indigenous yeasts; sulfites are only added in tiny doses when needed. The wines are raised on lees from 12 to 26 months. The rhythm of fermentation is always respected.

Today the entire estate has been converted to organic and biodynamic practices in order to best express the different terroirs, each producing unique, original and delicious wines. With the help of a Belgian geologist Valerie Closset, all of her parcels have been inventoried and analysed to understand them better (which ultimately led to each cuvée sharing the name of the parcel it came from). A lot of energy has recently been focused on understanding and dealing with fungal illness in the vines. For esca, replacements are done in two phases: the first consists of planting the rootstock. 

About two years later, a selection massale of Chenin is grafted from a healthy vine. New plantations are done with material from Lilian Berillon, the first and only organic pépinieriste in the world.

The other experiments have focused on pruning: new plantations are pruned in the ancient style of gobelet, allowing the vine to grow bunches all around and have more exposure to sun and wind. Instead of being cut, the growing branches are now gently wrapped around the top wire. Evelyne believes that foliage thinning is traumatic to the vines, as leaves are the plant's vital organs. She has quickly noticed a change in the aromatic palate of the wines. Much focus has also been dedicated to soil work. Different plants, such as cereals and cloves, have been used as green fertilizers; the idea is to let indigenous vegetation grow in order to reestablish an authentic biodiversity in order to help fight insects and pests.

When not making delicious wines, Evelyne enjoys pairing them with her friend's cheeses, cooking the garden’s vegetables with Loire fishes, reading, travelling to visit other vineyards, and promoting the Savennières AOC (of which she is president).

Arriving

Welcome

Walk to the Vineyards

In the Vineyards

Walk to the Cellar

Tasting in the Cellar

Walk to the Library

Aperitif in the Library

Exploring the Pinot Grapes of Germany: Red, Grey, White - Wine Tasting at the American Wine Society (NoLoCo Chapter), led by Annette Schiller (July 2024)

Germany has been known in the U.S. mostly for its delicious Rieslings. Yes, Riesling is the #1 grape produced in Germany and Germany is also the #1 producer of Riesling world-wide (40% of the global Riesling production is in Germany). However, because of Germany’s very different wine regions ranging from 48.5° latitude to 51° latitude, the Pinot grapes also discovered perfect growing conditions and feel very comfortable in Germany. The monks from Burgundy brought Pinot grapes to Germany as early as the 12th century (and this origin is reflected in the “Burgunder” part of each grape’s German name). Today Germany is the #1 producer of Pinot-Blanc (Weissburgunder), #2 producer of Pinot-Gris (Grauburgunder), and #3 producer of Pinot-Noir (Spätburgunder) world-wide.

Annette took us on a discovery tour through 8 different wine regions (including at least one that is normally impossible to find in the U.S.). We tasted 3 Pinot Noir, 3 Pinot Gris, and 3 Pinot Blanc wines.

Social Hour

Tasting

The Wines

Spätburgunder/ Pinot Noir

Grauburgunder/ Pinot Gris

Weisburgunder/ Pinot Blanc

Potluck Dinner

Bye-bye

The 57th American Wine Society National Conference will be held November 1-3, 2024 at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Attendance is expected to be around 800 wine lovers from all over the USA. 

Last year, the American Wine Society National Conference took place in St. Louis/ Missouri. See: The 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

This year, in in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, will lead two tastings: 

Discovery of the Off-the-Beaten-Path Wine Regions of France 

Germany’s Perfect Home for Pinot Grapes

The American Wine Society

The American Wine Society was founded in 1967 as a non-profit, educational, consumer-oriented organization for those interested in learning more about all aspects of wine. On October 7, 1967, around 200 grape growers, home winemakers, and wine lovers gathered at Dr. Konstantin Frank’s vineyard on Keuka Lake near Hammondsport, NY for the AWS’ initial meeting.

In December of the same year, the thirteen charter members, led by Founder Dr. Konstantin Frank, met to determine the organization structure of AWS and elect officers. Now in its 49th year, the American Wine Society is the largest consumer based wine education organization in North America. Membership is open to anyone interested in wine and over 21 years of age.

Discovery of the Off-the-Beaten-Path Wine Regions of France

B Sessions: Saturday, Nov. 2: 11:00 – 12:15 

Session: B3 Room: Piedmont 3

Presenter: Annette Schiller Owner of ombiasy PR & Wine Tours

Abstract: In 2020 France was number-one worldwide in wine production (International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), 2023). There are 11 wine regions and 363 appellations in France. The image of France as producer of high-prized, highly sought-after wines from the five most-known regions: Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rhône, Loire and Champagne, is spread across the globe. But what about the other regions? These regions do not get the same fame and press coverage but deserve just as much recognition. We will explore six undiscovered and overlooked wine regions that showcase unique wines, with excellent quality and value across the board. We will start in the Lorraine, move to the Jura, travel to Cahors, take the boat to Corsica, explore the Garonne and Lot, and finish in the Pyrenees mountains of the Basques country, in Irouleguy.

See also: Tasting of 5 Off-the-beaten-path Wines from France at the Washington Wine and Cheese Seminar, led by Annette Schiller (May 28, 2024)

Germany’s Perfect Home for Pinot Grapes

Presenter: Annette Schiller, Owner of ombiasy PR & Wine Tours

G Sessions: Sunday, Nov. 3: 2:45 – 4:00

Session: G1 Room: Piedmont 1

Abstract: The 13 wine-growing regions in Germany are spread across the country like a picture. Only in these different regions can the different grape varieties find what they need: the right soils and sheltered locations facing the sun. Germany has been known in the U.S. mostly for its delicious Rieslings. However, because of Germany’s latitude, ranging from 48.5° to 51°, the Pinot grapes also discovered perfect growing conditions here. This session will examine examples of the top 3 Pinot grapes: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot.

See also: Exploring the Pinot Grapes of Germany: Red, Grey, White - Wine Tasting at the American Wine Society (NoLoCo Chapter), led by Annette Schiller (July 2024)

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2023 in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA

Kékfrankos - Blaufränkisch - Lemberger: A Grape’s Immigration Story From Central Europe To The US West Coast - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Annette Schiller

Dive Deep Into Burgundy With Louis Jadot - Seminar at the 2023 American Wine Society National Conference in St. Louis/ Missouri/ USA led by Thibaut Marquis, North America Export Manager, Louis Jadot, with Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State

The American Wine Society National Conference 2022 in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State - Seen through Christian Schiller`s Camera Lens

The End of the "Grosslage" in Germany - Seminar about the new German Wine Law of 2022 at the 2022 American Wine Society National Conference in Bellevue/ Seattle, Washington State, led by Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Annette Schiller`s 3 Presentations at the American Wine Society National Conference 2021 in Atlantic City, New Jersey: Sparkling Wines, Austria, Bordeaux

All Sorts of Sparklers: How do the Bubbles get into that Bottle? - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the 2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

The Wines of Austria - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the  2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City

Good Value Bordeaux Wines: Discover the Petits Châteaux - Presentation by Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours, at the  2021 American Wine Society National Conference in Atlantic City 

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2018 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in in Buffalo, New York State

The 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

VDP at AWS: Tasting Premium German Wines at the Showcase of Wines of the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, with Annette and Christian Schiller

"Abbey Wines”: The Importance of the Monasteries for the Development of Viticulture - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller

Burgundy Pinot Noir and German Pinot Noir: Differences and Similarities - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State, USA, led by Annette Schiller

A Journey through the Rhône Valley - Seminar at the 2018 American Wine Society National Conference in Buffalo, New York State,USA, led by Annette Schiller

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2017 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania

The 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

Showcase of Wines at the 2017 National Conference of the American Wine Society: Annette and Christian Schiller Present German/ VDP/ Loosen Bros. USA Wines

A Journey through the Vineyards of Alsace - A Tasting Seminar at the National Conference 2017 of the American Wine Society, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

Burgundy: What makes it so Special? - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

German Wines in the 21st Century - A Tasting Seminar at the 2017 American Wine Society National Conference in in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, led by Annette Schiller (ombiasyPR & WineTours)

Annette Schiller's Presentations at the 2016 American Wine Society Annual Meetings in California

The 2016 American Wine Society National Conference in California, USA: Seen Through Christian Schiller's Camera Lens

The New Germany: Red, Sparkling and Dry - Tasting at the American Wine Society 2016 National Conference in Los Angeles, USA, led by Annette Schiller

The New Classification of German Wines: The VDP Classification - Annette Schiller Conducting a Seminar at the 2016 National Convention of the American Wine Society in Los Angeles, USA

The Insider’s View of Charles Krug Winery - Peter Mondavi Jr., Co-Proprietor, Charles Krug Winery

Château Climens, Premier Cru Barsac and Savory Dishes…who knew? - Bérénice Lurton, Owner of Château Climens and Tony Lawrence, Global Food & Wine Pairing Specialist

The visit at Château des Vaults, Domaine du Closel in Savennières, Anjou, was extensive.

We started out with a walk to the vineyards. We went back to the wine cellar where we had a tasting from barrel. Then, we sat down in the private library of Owner Evelyne de Pontbriand for the aperitif with a tasting of 3 wines. 

See: Vineyard Tour, Barrel Tasting and Salon Tasting at Château des Vaults, Domaine du Closel in Savennière, Anjou, with Owner/ winemaker Evelyne de Pontbriand - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

The visit ended with a high-end lunch hosted by Evelyne de Pontbriand in her private dining room. 

Domaine du Closel in Savennières, Anjou, is represented by Louis Dressner in the USA.

Domaine du Closel (Louis Dressner)

Château des Vaults in Savennières dates back to 1495, and was inherited by Michèle de Jessey in 1962 from her childless aunt Madame du Closel. Michèle and Jacques de Jessey turned the small family estate into Domaine du Closel. The entire vineyard is located on the most western hill of Savennières and includes some of the best parcels in the AOC: Les Caillardières and Clos du Papillon. The topsoil is shallow, very warm and consists of purple/green schist and sandstone enriched with volcanic rocks (quartz, phtanites, ryolites and spilites) in the best areas.

Evelyne de Pontbriand, Michèle and Jacques' daughter, took over the estate in 2001 after a first career of teaching French literature to adults all over the world. As a lover of botanics and nature, she quickly adopted organic viticulture, which continues to be an experimental learning process. She is constantly searching for cultural practices best adapted to the austere terroirs of Savennières and has deeply changed vinification practices in the cellar. Vinification is done very naturally and with indigenous yeasts; sulfites are only added in tiny doses when needed. The wines are raised on lees from 12 to 26 months. The rhythm of fermentation is always respected.

Today the entire estate has been converted to organic and biodynamic practices in order to best express the different terroirs, each producing unique, original and delicious wines. With the help of a Belgian geologist Valerie Closset, all of her parcels have been inventoried and analysed to understand them better (which ultimately led to each cuvée sharing the name of the parcel it came from). A lot of energy has recently been focused on understanding and dealing with fungal illness in the vines. For esca, replacements are done in two phases: the first consists of planting the rootstock. 

About two years later, a selection massale of Chenin is grafted from a healthy vine. New plantations are done with material from Lilian Berillon, the first and only organic pépinieriste in the world.

The other experiments have focused on pruning: new plantations are pruned in the ancient style of gobelet, allowing the vine to grow bunches all around and have more exposure to sun and wind. Instead of being cut, the growing branches are now gently wrapped around the top wire. Evelyne believes that foliage thinning is traumatic to the vines, as leaves are the plant's vital organs. She has quickly noticed a change in the aromatic palate of the wines. Much focus has also been dedicated to soil work. Different plants, such as cereals and cloves, have been used as green fertilizers; the idea is to let indigenous vegetation grow in order to reestablish an authentic biodiversity in order to help fight insects and pests.

When not making delicious wines, Evelyne enjoys pairing them with her friend's cheeses, cooking the garden’s vegetables with Loire fishes, reading, travelling to visit other vineyards, and promoting the Savennières AOC (of which she is president).

Le Chenin (Gault&Millau 12.5/ 20)

At the foot of the church, this charming bistro keeps its promise: you're in Savennières, and the chenin is waiting for you! The welcome sets the mood for a chef's cuisine that knows the sweet music of well-personalized local recipes: low-temperature smoked eel, garden salsify, miso, radish and hollandaise with bone butter, beautifully technical and flavorful; farmhouse pork chop with hazelnut butter, vegetable casserole and seasonal mushrooms, a well-executed classic; correct chocolate-textured dessert and coffee-glazed parfait. The cellar is very much oriented towards local products, and the young staff are professional and committed to bringing life to the house and the village.

 

Angers à table. Maïté et Arthur présentent Le Chenin, resto situé à Savennières (angers.maville.com) 

 

Maïté Verriez et Arthur Favé étaient salariés depuis 2018 au Chenin, ils en sont devenus les nouveaux exploitants depuis le 1er juillet 2021. Le couple a son équipe en salle et en cuisine et leur dynamisme ne manque pas à l’appel ! Laissez-vous tenter par Le Chenin

 

« J’ai fait un CAP cuisine en alternance à Saumur. J’ai travaillé ensuite aux Dames de la Loire (anciennement la Taverne d’Antoine) à Saumur, puis avec ma compagne Maïté, on a monté une sandwicherie dans la Doutre «la Casa Jerico». On est ensuite parti voyager à droite à gauche et notamment au Brésil dont je suis originaire. En revenant, je suis allé travailler aux Terrasses de Saumur où j’ai pris la place de chef au Bon Marché où je suis resté deux ans. En parallèle, on a commencé à beaucoup jardiner et à s’essayer à la permaculture. On a récupéré un jardin de 1800m2 et ça a beaucoup influencé ma cuisine. On est très proches de nos producteurs, c’est une symbiose. On s’est installé par ici en 2018 car nous sommes devenus salariés du Chenin et nous avons repris le restaurant en 2021. 

 

Chef Arthur Favé, Le Chenin à Savennières

 

Lunch

Appetizer

Bean fricassee with homemade bacon and pea sorbet

Roasted turbot fillet bearnaise and new potatoes

Poultry 2 ways vegetable casserole and hazelnut butter juice

Hazelnut and chicory entrement

The Wines

Thank you Evelyne de Pontbriand and Arthur Favé

Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours: Already Released and Forthcoming Postings

 

Announcement: Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours (Sunday, June 09 - Thursday June 20, 2024)

 

Stopover in Frankfurt: 3 Nights at Zur Mainlust Desche Otto in Frankfurt/ Schwanheim - From Washington DC (USA) to Nantes (France) for 2024 Loire by ombiasy WineTours, led by Annette Schiller

 

Pitstop at Le Petit Sommelier, Standard (10.5/ 20 Gault&Millau) Food and Worldclass Wine List, Just Opposite of Gare Monteparnasse in Paris - From Washington DC (USA) to Nantes (France) for 2024 Loire by ombiasy WineTours, led by Annette Schiller    

Dinner at L'Océanide (Bib Gourmand Michelin) in Nantes - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at L'Instinct Gourmand in Nantes, with Owner/ Chef Sylvain le Bras - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Tour of Old Town Nantes - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Iconic Brasserie La Cigale in Nantes - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour, Tasting and Light Lunch at Vignobles Günther Chéreau, Château du Coing, in Saint Fiacre-sur-Maine, with Owner Véronique Günther-Chéreau - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Two Domaines under one Roof: Visit at Domaine Gadais Père et Fils and Domaine de la Combe/ Pierre-Henri Gadais in Saint Fiacre-sur-Maine, Muscadet Sévre et Maine, Pays Nantais, with Owner/ Winemaker Christoph Gadais - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant Les Petits Près of Chef Samuel Albert (Top Chef France 2019) in Angers - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Château d’Épiré, AOP Savennières, Anjou, with Owner/ Winemaker Paul Bizard - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Barrel Tasting and Salon Tasting at Château des Vaults, Domaine du Closel in Savennière, Anjou, with Owner/ winemaker Evelyne de Pontbriand - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Lunch at Château des Vaults, Domaine du Closel in Savennière, Anjou, with Owner/ Winemaker Evelyne de Pontbriand and Owner/ Chef Arthur Favé of Restaurant Le Chenin in Savennière - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Visit of Château Angers and the Apocalypse Tapestry (UNESCO) - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Brasserie du Ralliement in Angers - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Domäne Vincendeau in Rochefort-sur-Loire, Anjou, with Owner/ Winemaker Liv Vincendeau - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting with a Light Lunch at Domaine de la Soucherie in Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Anjou - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting and Cellar Tour at Clotilde Legrand, Domaine Legrand, in Varrains, Anjou, with Clotilde Legrand - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant L’Essentiel in Saumur - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Visit of L’ Abbey Royale de Fontevraud in Fontevraud - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at L’Orangerie Saumur in the Courtyard of the Château de Saumur - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting, Cellar Tour and Vineyard Tour at Domaine des Roches Neuves in Varrains, Anjou, with Next Generation Owner/ Winemaker Louis Germain and Agathe Germain - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tour and Tasting at Maison Bouvet-Ladubay in Saumur, with Owner Juliette Monmousseau - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Cave M. Plouzeau in Chinon, Touraine, with Owner/ Winemaker Marc Plouzeau - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Tasting at Domaine de la Haut Olive in Chinon, Touraine - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Le Bistrot du Marchéin Chinon - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine François Gazin, Le Petit Chambord, in Cheverney, Touraine, with François Gazin - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner at Restaurant Brut Maison de Cuisine in Blois, with Owner/ Chef Adrien Delafoy and Owner/ Chef Thomas Gaudard - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour by Car and Tasting at Domaine Brazilier in Thoré-la-Rochette, CôteauxVendômois, Touraine, with Owner/ Winemaker Benoît Braziliery - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Le Moulin du Loir in Vendôme - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Visit of Château Chambord - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Tour of Château Royal de Blois - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Sunday Lunch at Restaurant La Croix Blanche (Bib Gourmand Michelin), with Owner/ Chef Jean-François Beauduin - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Visit of Château du Clos Lucé and the Leonardo-da-Vinci Park in Amboise - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner, Overnight-stay and Breakfast at Château de Pray in Amboise - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours.

Visit at Denis Meunier in Vernou-sur-Brenne, Touraine - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Visit at Domaine des Aubuisières, Bernard Fouquet, in Vouvray, Touraine - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Guided Visit of Château Chenonceau - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Dinner and Overnight-stay at Auberge du Bon Laboureur in Chenonceau - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Walk, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Pellé in Morogues, Menetou-Salon, with the Export Manager Pauline Guillot - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Lunch at Restaurant Fluteau in Morogues - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Extensive Tasting at at Domaine Alphons Mellot in Sancerre, with Alphons Mellot - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine de Vrillères, SCEA in Sury-en-Vaux, Sancerre, with Kevin Lauverjat - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Domaine Tinel-Blondelet in Pouilly-sur-Loire, with Marlène and Annick Tinel - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours 

Lunch at Restaurant/ Affineur Romain Dubois in Chavignol, with Gilles Dubois - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Cellar Tour, Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Domaine Henri Bourgeois in Chavignol - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Wine-pairing Dinner at Le Clos du Maréchal with the Wines of Vignobles Berthier, with the Owner/ Winemaker Clément Berthier and the Chef/ Owner Nathanael Fromant - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Last Meal of the Tour: At La Coupole in Paris - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Following the visit of the château in Nantes: 

Guided Tour of Old Town Nantes - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

the château in Angers was the second one we visited on the tour. The main attraction of this château is the exhibit of the Apocalypse Tapestry, listed as UNESCO World Heritage historic monument.

Angers

Although Angers is an Antique city, the Middle Ages are one of the periods to have marked it the most. When wandering the old town, you’ll become aware of a strong medieval influence in the form of charming, cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, the Saint-Maurice cathedral and monuments built in the Angevin Gothic style. Angers is also the place to learn more about the wines of Anjou, either at the Maison du Vin or at the city’s wine bars.

It says much for the way Anglo-French history is entwined that Angers holds almost as significant a place in the history of England as that of France. 

Angers was the seat of the Plantagenet (or Anjou) dynasty, and for over 300 years English monarchs had Angevin blood, from Henry II in 1154 to Richard III in 1485. The Angevin Kings of England had strong claims to the French throne, which eventually plunged the two nations into the Hundred Years War. 

The Duchy of Anjou was reclaimed by the French crown early in the 13th century. Angers became the capital of this wealthy region and a centre of French intellectual and cultural life during the 15th and 16th century. During the French Revolution Angers was one of the strongholds of the Republic.

A siege of the city in 1793 by overwhelming numbers of Royalist troops was repelled from behind the very castle walls you see today. 

Château Angers

Construction of this mighty fortress and castle started in 970 to protect the Anjou region from any invasion coming from the north from Normandie. You will feel tiny when you stand before this imposing Medieval fortress with its 17 defensive towers. 

Apocalypse Tapestry

The main attraction of this castle however is the exhibit of the Apocalypse Tapestry. This incredible monumental medieval work – designed to be transported from place to place – is the largest set of tapestry known to date. It was commissioned by Louis I, the Duke of Anjou in 1373 and it took seven years to finish. The tapestry describes the story of the Apocalypse from the Book of Revelation in colorful scenes in 74 pictures: 103 meters long, 4.50 meters high, 74 scenes, virtuoso weaving, striking details, expressive characters, a fantastic story evoking wars, pollution, disease, famine, death, but also hope: an encounter with a masterpiece unique in the world.

Guided Visit of Château Angers

The Apocalypse Tapestry (UNESCO)

Brasserie Dinner

Bye-bye

Pictures: Annette and Christian Schiller with Alwin Jurtschitsch, Christioph Neumeister, Doris Hager,    Markus Huber, Lucas Pichler, Fritz Wieninger, Hans, Lydia and Martin Nittnaus, Georg Prieler, Leo Sommer, Franz Reinhard Weninger, Juste Sattler and Sommelier Philipp Heidenbauer (Weingut Polz)

Criteria for the inclusion in the KALK&KEGEL list, which has been published once a year since 2021, are the unmistakable craftsmanship of the winegrowers and the exemplary attitude towards nature, which in almost all cases requires at least organic certification or very often biodynamic certification.

35 winemakers were added to the new list (and 3 were dropped from the list)

Niederösterreich

• Matthias Altmann
• René Antrag & Thomas Reither
• Anna und Martin Arndorfer
• Thomas und Maria Buchmayer
• Jörg Bretz (NEU)
• Philipp Bründlmayer (NEU)
• Willi Bründlmayer (NEU)
• Johann Czerny – Weingut Wimmer-Czerny
• Martin Diwald
• Marion und Manfred Ebner-Ebenauer
• Gerda und Norbert Fidesser
• Karl Fritsch
• Johannes Gebeshuber
• Katharina Gessl (NEU)
• Michael Gindl
• Philipp Grassl (NEU)
• Heiko Grohmann – Hopibauern
• Magdalena und Lorenz Haas-Allram – Weingut Allram (NEU)
• Matthias und Doris Hager
• Andreas Harm
• Johannes Hirsch
• Christoph Hoch
• Markus Huber
• Alwin Jurtschitsch
• Heidelinde und Markus Lang – HM Lang (NEU)
• Michael Linke und Franz Hofbauer – Grabenwerkstatt
• Fred Loimer
• Michael Lutschounig und Marcus Bülow – Kellerkünstler (NEU)
• Erich Machherndl
• Niki Moser – VitiKultur Moser
• Peter Mandl und Florian Ruhdorfer – Weinhauerei 378 (NEU)
• Agnes und Josef Mantler – Mantlerhof (NEU)
• Johanna Markowitsch (NEU)
• Martin Muthentahler
• Mike Nährer – Vergessene Gärten
• Martin Obenaus
• Bernhard Ott
• Lucas Pichler – F.X. Pichler (NEU)
• Elisabeth und Erich Pichler-Krutzler
• Hannes Reinisch, Christian und Michael Reinisch – Familie Reinisch
• Michaela Riedmüller (NEU)
• Stefan Rosner
• Nikolaus Saahs – Nikolaihof
• Paul Schabl (NEU)
• Andreas Schachenhuber – Weinschach (NEU)
• Josef Schentner und Julia Nather – Nibiru (NEU)
• Mathias, Viktoria und Leonhard Schödl (NEU)
• Paul Schuster, Dave Ferris, Simon Ecker – Kollektiv Peternell
• Toni Söllner (NEU)
• Christoph Strell – Hanauer Hof (NEU)
• Lukas Strobl (NEU)
• Hans Peter Topf (NEU)
• Johannes Trapl
• Leo Uibel
• Peter Veyder-Malberg
• Daniel Vogelwind, Michael Donabaum – Von der Vogelwaide
• Matthias Warnung
• Birgit Wiederstein – Weiberwirtschaft (NEU)
• Herbert Zillinger
• Johannes Zillinger
• Alexander Zöller
• Else Zuschmann und Peter Schöfmann (NEU)

Burgenland

• Paul Achs
• Markus Altenburger 
• Michael Andert
• Richard Artner – Weingut Joiseph
• Judith Beck
• Birgit Braunstein
• Markus Faulhammer – Schützenhof
• Kurt Feiler – Weingt Feiler-Artinger
• Gerald Freinbichler und Dominik Gober – Gober + Freinbichler
• Andreas Gsellmann
• Thomas Hareter
• Gernot und Heike Heinrich
• Boris Kovacic – Projekt Wildtyp
• Clemens Krutzer (NEU)
• Katrin Lautner (NEU)
• Sebastian und Victoria Lehner 
• Adriana González und Martin Lichtenberger – Lichtenberger-González
• Mike Muff
• Johannes Nehrer (NEU)
• Hans, Martin, Andreas und Lydia Nittnaus
• Gerhard Pittnauer
• Claus Preisinger
• Georg Prieler
• Stefanie und Georg Renner – Renner und Renner Sista
• Stefan Robitza (NEU)
• Frank Schindler – Weingut Esterhazy (NEU)
• Georg Schmelzer
• Günther und Jakob Schönberger
• Hannes Schuster – Weingut Rosi Schuster
• Leo Sommer
• Erwin Tinhof
• Gerhard und Claudia, Herbert und Stephanie Triebaumer – Weingut Ernst Triebaumer
• Edi Tscheppe – Gut Oggau
• Christian Tschida
• Roland Velich – Weingut Moric
• Christoph Wachter-Wiesler
• Franz Weninger
• Michael Wenzel
• Andreas Ziniel

Steiermark

• Hartmut Aubell
• Martina und Johannes Gross – Weingut Gross
• Rainer Hack – Weingut Warga-Hack
• Hannes und Petra Harkamp
• Daniel Jaunegg und Jasmin Edelsbrunner – Weingut Jaunegg
• Bastian Kaltenböck und Christian Söll – Weingut NeueHeimat (NEU)
• Tamara  Kögl-Rettenbacher – Weingut Kögl
• Herbert König – Wachstum König
• Christian Krampl – Weingut Oberguess
• Josef und Barbara Krenn – Krenn49 (NEU)
• Katharina Tinnacher, Weingut Lackner-Tinnacher
• Gottfried Lamprecht – Herrenhof Lamprecht
• Lukas Jahn – Locknbauer (NEU)
• Michi Lorenz
• Alexandra Monschein
• Elias Muster
• Sepp Muster
• Christoph Neumeister
• Fredi und Manuel Ploder
• Christoph Polz (NEU)
• Willi Sattler
• Matthias Schnabl (NEU)
• Karl Schnabel – Ermihof
• Herbert Sternat – Weingut Sternat-Lenz
• Franz Strohmeier
• Roland Tauss
• Lukas Tscheppe – Rabusella
• Andreas Tscheppe
• Sonja Weissenecker – Kaarriegel (NEU)
• Ewald Tscheppe – Weingut Werlitsch

Slowenien

• Michael Gross – Vino Gross
• Florian Wirth – Winez (NEU)

Wien

• Jutta Ambrositsch
• Stefan Fuchs – Weingut Fuchs-Steinklammer
• Fritz Wieninger – Weingut Hajszan-Neumann
• Fritz Wieninger – Weingut Fritz Wieninger
• Alexander Zahel

Kärnten

• Alexander Egger – Weingut Sternberg
• Marcus Gruze – Weingut Georgium

Oberösterreich

• Armin Kienesberger

Announcement: 2024 Tours by ombiasy (Annette Schiller) - Loire Valley, German Classic, Rhône

Announcement: Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours (Sunday, June 09 - Thursday June 20, 2024)

2024 Loire by ombiasy Wine Tours, led by Annette Schiller, took place from Sunday, June 9 to Thursday June 20, 2024. The tour started in Nantes and ended in Sancerre.

There is a lot of focus on natural, organic, biodynamic and low-intervention winemaking in the Loire valley. See: Salons des Vins - all with a Focus on Natural, Organic, Biodynamic and Low-intervention Producers in the Loire Valley and elsewhere in France and Europe - in February in Angers and Saumur, Loire Valley, France (February 2024)

One of the leaders of this movement is Liv Vincendeau from Domäne Vincendeau in Rochefort-sur-Loire, Anjou.

Liv Vincendeau produces racy Chenin Blanc, two types of Rosé produced from a blend of traditional and autochthon grape varietals, a noble sweet Coteaux du Layon Rochefort, and spectacular Crémant de Loire. Her Crémant “Zeitlos” is raved about in every single top wine magazine. 

The domaine is certified biodynamic by Demeter.

When we arrived there, Liv hopped on our bus and took us to her vineyards, where we spent some time. After that we went back home for a seated tasting in her wine cellar. 

We met her twice, first at the Salon des Vins Grenier Saint Jean, a wine fair with natural wine producers at the Le Grenier Saint Jean in Angers and, second, as follow up a couple of days later at her estate in a little beautiful village called Rochefort sur Loire.

Roni Selects: Liv Vincendeau came to the Loire in 2000 with the idea of studying winemaking and eventually having her own domain. She moved from Germany and eventually settled in Rochefort sur Loire when she and her husband found an old farmhouse for sale. Quickly she found a small parcel at the top of the town and immediately started the work of converting the vineyard to organic. Most of Liv’s parcels are Chenin Blanc, ranging from 10-80 year old vines. There is some Cabernet Franc, Gamay and Grolleau. The soil is mostly schist with mineral deposits scattered all over the vineyard. Liv believes in low-interventionist winemaking using naturally occurring yeast and minimal sulphur.  

Domäne Vincendeau

Arriving

Vineyard Tour by Bus

Coming Back

Seated Tasting

Bye-bye

 

Domaine de la Soucherie in Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Anjou

The viticultural domaine is part of the Château Soucherie which was originally a farm owned by the Duke of Brissac. He built this château as a leisure place. 

In 2007 the château was acquired by Roger-François Béguinot, who made his fortune in infant nutrition. The beautiful château and the winery sit on a high point above the Layon river. The 70 acres of vineyards are immediately around the château on gentle south-facing slopes running down to the river. The soils are various types of schist. 

A wide variety of wines is produced: the whites from Chenin Blanc: a noble sweet Côteaux du Layon, an
every day Anjou Blanc, a top Chaume 1er Cru, and a top Savennières “Clos des Perrières”. Grape varieties planted are Gamay, Grolleau, Cabernet Franc for the reds and Chenin (94%) and Chardonnay (6%) for the whites. 

Arriving at Domaine de la Soucherie in Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Anjou

Great View with Vianney de Tastes - Directeur du Domaine

Cellar Tour

Vineyard Tour

Lunch with Tasting

2024 Loire by ombiasy Wine Tours, led by Annette Schiller, took place from Sunday, June 9 to Thursday June 20, 2024. The tour started in Nantes and ended in Sancerre.

We visited 3 wineries on this day.

Following:

Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Domäne Vincendeau in Rochefort-sur-Loire, Anjou, with Owner/ Winemaker Liv Vincendeau - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting with a Light Lunch at Domaine de la Soucherie in Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Anjou - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

we went to Clotilde Legrand, Domaine Legrand, in Varrains, Anjou.

Clotilde was our host. Following a portfolio tasting, Clotilde took us to her old wine cellar, where she ages her wines both in barrel and bottle, before releasing them. Following her father, Clotilde tends to keep her wines for an extended period before putting them on the market. Thus, the wines we tasted were mostly 2011, 2014 and 2015.

Clotilde Legrand - Domaine Legrand in Varrains, Anjou

The Legrand family can trace their wine grower history back to the 17 th century. In 2014 the first women – Clotilde Legrand – took over and has since become an icon in the Saumur-Champigny appellation. 

The domaine farms 44 acres, mostly planted with Cabernet-Franc, and a tiny parcel with Chenin Blanc. The vineyards are divided into about twenty plots spread out over the villages of Saumur, Dampierre, Chacé, Varrains, and Souzay-Champigny. The average age of the vines is 45 years, with the oldest being
planted in 1927. The soils are clay-limestone and these produce the best Saumur-Champigny wines. 

In Saumur, the vines grow on gentle slopes which are traditionally enclosed by walls, hence a “Clos”. These tufa (the local name) walls ensure optimal maturation of the grapes through their protection and brightness. 

All fruit is harvested manually, fermentation is spontaneously, followed by malolactic fermentation and
ageing 2 to 4 years in French oak of which is 1/3 new. The vinification is dome without adding sulfites. There is no fining and filtering before bottling.

Weygandt Metzler

The Legrand family was one of earliest producers of the Saumur-Champigny appellation, and has a history with winegrowing dating back to the 17th century. In 2014, Clotilde became the Legrand family's first female winegrower. Clotilde wishes, just as her father René-Noël had, to focus on the traditional aspect of vinification. Her main objective is to obtain high quality wines, every year, while respecting the characteristics of each vintage.

The vineyard is comprised of 17 hectares of Cabernet Franc divided up into twenty plots split between the villages of Saumur, Dampierre, Chacé, Varrains and Souzay-Champigny. The average vine-age is around 45 years. The oldest plots date back to 1927. A small plot of Chenin produces Saumur Blanc, a dry Chenin. In Saumur, vines grow on gentle slopes traditionally enclosed by walls - some old, some ancient. These freestone walls provide protection for the vines and allow for optimal brightness to aid maturation of the grapes. Vines planted in limestone and chalk soils produce the best Saumur-Champigny. For over 30 years, grass has been allowed to grow between the vine rows on all plots, for a more environmentally friendly approach.

Saumur is known for its limestone: the tufa. The first caves were dug by humans over a thousand years ago and make up a huge underground network. Over the centuries, these galleries (tunnels) were used as shelters for themselves or for livestock. At the end of the 19th century, some were even converted into mushroom factories. And over the millennia, the galleries have been used as a place for winemaking and have the advantage of providing ideal conditions for wine storage; high relative humidity and temperature being both fresh and constant (?12°C).

In the spirit of excellence the legendary 1947 vintage demonstrated, the Legrand family continues to craft both table-ready and cellar-ready wines, with traditional French oak barrel-ageing for the finest vintages.

Arriving

Tasting

Tour of the Cellar

Bye-bye

We stayed two nights in Saumur at Hôtel Mercure Bord de Loire, a modern 4-star hotel located on an island in the Loire River with a gorgeous view towards the panorama of Saumur and the Château de Saumur.

Saumur is an incredibly beautiful town at the confluence of the Loire and Thouet rivers worth exploring. The pretty Château dates from the 14 th century, but Saumur is most known for its excellent cavalry school with its Cadre Noir, a counterpart of the Spanish riding school in the Hofburg in Vienna, its Crémant de Loire wines, and mushroom cultivation.

On the first evening, after a full day of winery visits: 

Vineyard Tour and Tasting at Domäne Vincendeau in Rochefort-sur-Loire, Anjou, with Owner/ Winemaker Liv Vincendeau - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting with a Light Lunch at Domaine de la Soucherie in Beaulieu-sur-Layon, Anjou - Loire Valley 2024 by ombiasy WineTours

we went for dinner to Restaurant L’Essentiel. It is a Michelin-listed restaurant, located on the foot of Saumur's fairy-tale castle.

We had a wonderful walk from our hotel to the restaurant, dinner and walk back at night from the restaurant to our hotel, with spectacular views. 

The restaurant is owned by Chef Anthony Vaillant, who was between 2007 and 2011 the executive chef at the restaurant of the Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, which we visited the following day.

Dinner

Walking back from the Restaurant to the Hotel

Centuries Ago