Domaine de la Guilloterie
Saumur Champigny – 2019
Region: France - Loire
Domaine de la Guilloterie
Six miles south of the city of Saumur in the Loire Valley lies the Saint-Cyr en Bourg, home of the Duveau family. Since 1835, six generations of the family have farmed vineyards and made wine at Domaine de la Guilloterie. Today, the father and son Patrice and Rémi Duveau’s carry on the family legacy.
The 135.90 acre (55 hectare) estate is nestled in the appellation of Saumur Champigny, named after the village of Champigny. Situated just south of the Loire River, Saumur Champigny is technically part of the province of Anjou, however the wines are more akin to the adjoining province of Touraine to the east. Chenin Blanc was the traditional grape of the region planted on the calcareous rocky soils known as “TUFFEAU.” Chenin Blanc was prone to chlorosis, a condition in which leaves produce insufficient chlorophyll, so in the 1990’s, Cabernet Franc was widely planted. Now Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc are the primary grape varieties of the region where dry and sweet versions of Chenin abound along with bountiful quantities of Crémant from the same grape. Reds and rosés are made from Cabernet Franc.
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
Estate vineyards owned for 6 generations by the Duveau family in Saint-Cyr en Bourg, south of the Loire river.
- Soils: Limestone-clay, with a chalky subsoil called “Tuffeau,” well-draining and fast-warming
- Vineyard area: 10.5 ha / 25.3 acres
- Vine age: 10 – 35 years
- 100% native grass cover to promote healthy soils
- Selective leaf removal
- Vineyard certified Sustainable HEV 2 – high environmental value
Harvest Notes
- Hand harvested with precise berry selection on a sorting table
- Destemming, then maceration for 14 – 18 days in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks
- Aged 10 months in tank at controlled temperatures
- Bottled unfined and unfiltered
Winemaker's Notes
Deep garnet, nearly black color. Intense and complex nose of ripe red and black fruits, with licorice notes. The wine offers a suave, velvety and ample palate with round and chewy tannins. A delicious and fruity length with long-lasting fragrance. Such a gentle wine with smooth, silky tannins and deep, ripe, generous fruit. Gourmand, with great substance.
Wine Summary
100% Cabernet Franc; Alcohol 14%; vineyards just south of Loire river; 10 – 35 year old vines; “Tuffeau” soils of limestone-clay with chalky subsoil; vineyard sustainably certified HEV level 2; fermented in stainless steel tanks 14 -18 days; aged in tank 10 months; bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Technical Information
- 100% Cabernet Franc
- Alcohol: 14%
- Sustainable Agriculture HVE 2 Certified
Reviews
90 Points
Classic stalky, smoky red-fruit flavors set the scene for a ripe, bright and still-young wine. Floral and spicy, the wine has red-currant and berry flavors and will age well. Drink from 2022.
Wine Enthusiast, November, 2021
90 Points
A lovely beam of savory-laced dark cherry fruit forms the core here, while subtle hints of dried flowers and olive peek through on the finish, with lingering minerality. Pretty. Drink now through 2024. 4,165 cases made, 560 cases imported.
Wine Spectator, December, 2021
General Info
| Country | France |
| Region | Loire Valley |
| Appellation(s) | Saumur, Saumur-Champigny |
| Proprietors | Patrice and Philippe Duveau |
| Founded | 1835 |
| Winemaker | Patrice and Philippe Duveau |
| Annual Production | 4,500 9L cases |
| Farming (Sustainable, organic, biodynamic) | Sustainable |
