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An elegant and occasionally very opulent dry white wine which reveals a fine mineral harmony on the taste buds, drawn from the chalky limestone subsoil from which it has grown.
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The vineyard
Geographical location: The appellation area incorporates 28 communes in the Maine-et-Loire department, 9 in the Vienne and 2 in the Deux-Sèvres. |
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Surface area: 400 ha (1,000 acres).
History: Under Henry 4th, Saumur was the capital of the Huguenots and from the 12th century onwards, developed as an important wine trading centre because of its ideal topographical conditions (see “Saumur Brut”). Nowadays, most of the region’s great merchant houses still have their head offices in this sector.
Types of soil: The vineyard is dispersed into small islands, on limestone (chalk) hillocks with senonian and eocene outcrops.
Climate: Temperate oceanic climate, but since the Saumur hills act as a brake on the Westerly winds, the plots of land furthest from the Loire are subjected to continental influence. |
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The wine
Annual production: 21,000 hl
Basic yield: 60 hl/ha
Grape varieties: Chenin (at least 80%), Chardonnay, Sauvignon
Dominant growing practices: Density of 4,500 to 5,000 plants/ha. Generally single Guyot pruning.
Tasting
Sensory characteristics: Rich golden yellow appearance.
The limestone contributes finesse and lightness. Aromas of crushed white fruits, white flowers and a characteristically fine mineral note of dusty chalk.
The wines are fine and approachable, with a fresh and balanced finish.
Serving temperature: 10°C
Ageing potential: Supple wines to be consumed within 5 years. The more concentrated white wines fill out to greater body if kept (5 to 15 years). |
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