Here we are in the middle of summer. The holidays are starting gently after a wonderful trip of a few days to the beautiful Loire vineyards. Very pleasant and warm visits and reunions... and we want to tell you all about it! Happy reading from your hammocks, deckchairs, or the beach for the lucky ones, and for those working, happy reading too!
Dominique Dufour, Layon artisan and exceptional host
This is a confidential estate that will delight lovers of these complex, vibrant, living Chenin wines from the Loire. After a career in aeronautics in Paris and Bordeaux, Dominique and Marie-Claude returned to their roots, in Layon specifically, in the winegrowing village of Rablay-sur-Layon. For this couple, there was no question of enjoying a quiet retirement. Dominique acquired 70 ares on the "Aussigouins" plot, directly opposite the famous "Noëls de Montbenault" of a certain Richard L.... In addition to these few vines that he cultivates like a garden (with the complicit help of a tribe of grandchildren on holiday), Dominique moved into his parents' winegrower's house and set up his pocket winery there. The result is authentic, energetic wines that reflect the exceptional potential of the terroir and the sincere personality of this endearing couple. Dufour is serious stuff!!! ;)
Domaine de la Porte Saint-Jean
A stop in Montreuil-Bellay, the haunt of Sylvain Dittière and Pauline Foucault. In underground cellars carved into the famous Saumur limestone, the aging processes are long and distinguished, using new or older barrels, always serving the material, without ever stifling it, bringing elegance while preserving the freshness and wild class that make the estate famous. Tasting Sylvain and Pauline's Chenin or Cabernet Franc wines will clearly not leave you indifferent, just like these colorful and extremely friendly winemakers. Alchemy in life, alchemy in the lees. Wines full of vigor! Breathtaking!!! Big Wow!
Domaine Les Pierres Meslières, emotional minerality
In Saint-Géréon, we go to a place with overflowing energy. We better understand why Frédéric Monnier, in 2019, set his sights on this fascinating vineyard. Imagine a 360-degree vineyard around a rocky outcrop already inhabited by Neanderthal man, as evidenced by the 3 menhirs still standing (there would have been 48 in total). The ancients are rarely wrong. Below, the Loire spreads its arms with a calm force that can nevertheless prove impetuous. Pinot gris macerations, melon de B (not from Cavaillon ;)), Gamay, here, minerality is not an empty word. Frédéric, like his wines, transports us into emotion and humility.
La Varette, spontaneous beers.
This is the beer that "sour" lovers should not miss! Far from consensual beers, these are funky beers full of energy with natural, indigenous and/or spontaneous fermentations and without added sugars! They are all an expression of a terroir and a season since the fruits or plants are picked on site.
A lovely word from Benjamin, its creator: "These drinks are crafted without compromise, neither on the raw materials, nor on the living, nor on time. By tasting them, you are participating in the expression of a terroir! In the work of supporting indigenous fermentations over many months. In a long and slow gestation on which time leaves its imprint. In the renunciation of urgency. In the acceptance of contemplation."
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