France Day Two (am)

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Day Two (am)

We set out for the town of Anjou in the Loire region to be welcomed by the Duke of Brissac at his castle. Known as the tallest castle of France, Brissac with its seven stores and 204 rooms, is named as “The Giant of the Loire Valley”. Acquired in 1502 by René de Cossé, first Lord of Brissac, today it is the residence of the 13th Duke of Brissac. To learn more: www.chateau-brissac.fr . At the castle we tasted the wines of Domaine des Hauts de Sanziers, Domaine Les Grandes Vignes, Domaine des Rochelles, and Château de Suronde.

(Chateau Brissac)

(l.Dominique Tessier, c. The Duke of Brissac, r. Antoine Songy of Robert Kacher Selections)

(Jean and Dominique Tessier)

Domaine de Hauts de Sanziers

Located south of Saumur, the Domaine des Hauts de Sanziers has belonged to the Tessier family for 2 centuries. Today the estate covers 85 hectares in the appellations of Saumur and Saumur-Champigny, all worked organically and covered with grass. The soils there are clay and limestone.

Saumur brut Houet & Tessier NV – Not currently available in the US. A bright sparkling wine with lemon and lime notes. 60% Chenin Blanc, 30% Cab Franc, and 10% Chardonnay.

Methode Traditionnelle NV – Not currently available in the US. 100% Cab Franc red sparkling wine with bright strawberry flavors.

Saumur Blanc Hauts de Sanziers 2010 – Lemon zest with a lingering lime finish 100% Chenin Blanc.

Saumu Rouge Hauts de Sanziers 2010 – Light strawberry flavors with a delicate finish 100% Cabernet Franc.

(Jean-Francois Vallant)

Domaine les Grandes Vignes

The Domaine Les Grandes Vignes goes back to the 17th century, and has been in the Vaillant family ever since. The Vaillant family owns 55 hectares in the appellations of Anjou, Bonnezeaux, and Coteaux du Layon, and has been working organically since 2006.

La Varenne du Poirier Anjou Blanc 2010 – Peach scents and palate 100% Chenin Blanc.

Les Cocainelles Anjou Rouge 2009 – Plum notes accent this lighter style red 100% Cabernet Franc.

Rose d’Anjou 2010 – Crisp strawberry flavors.

(Jean-Yves Liberton)


Domaine de Rochelles

Domaine des Rochelles is located in the town of St Jean des Mauvrets near Angers, in the appellation of Anjou. The Domaine has been in the Lebreton family since the 19th century. Now, Jean-Yves Lebreton, the 4th generation runs this 60-hectare estate.

Roches des Rochelles Anjou Blanc 2009 – The slate soils show through with a mineral and lime essence 100% Chenin Blanc.

Les Millerits Anjou Villages Brissac Rouge 2009 – Flavors of red licorice and cassis in this weightier offering.

La Croix de Mission Anjou Villages Brissac Rouge 2009 – Lighter in style with red fruit and a slight tannic grip on the finish.

(Guillame MORDACQ)

Château de Suronde

Chateau de Suronde is located in the tiny village of Quarts de Chaume. A mold called botrytis or the noble rot is allowed to form on the grapes, which sucks the excess water from the Chenin Blanc grapes, leaving a high sugar ratio. The result is a naturally sweet wine. Suronde is farmed biodynamical by Guillaume Mordacq.

Quart de Chaume 2003 - A rich honeyed wine with layers of peach fruit and a lingering finish.
Quart de Chaume 1997 – The honey shows through a slight oxidized brown sugar flavor.