THE REGION ...

OUR PRODUCERS ...

Winemaker Jean-Michel Pieaux represents the third generation of this humble family estate, one that always dedicates the cream of its Chenin Blanc crop to crafting pure, artisanal wine. The Domaine's vineyards benefit from a combination of clay, chalk and silex (or flint), which contributes to its fresh personality. The wines are perfect ripe and clean-delivering abundant aroma, a full-bodied and sweet, yet utterly dry mouth, and plenty of mineral-driven, honeyed Chenin flavor.

The MENARD-GABORIT Domain is a family story since 1734. Philippe and Thierry MENARD are now running this beautiful estate, located in the heart of the Sèvre and Maine Appellation, the name given by the two rivers running through this land: The Sèvre River and the Maine River. The vineyard is favorably rooted all around of the old Minière mill, which makes an ideal location for the vines. The vineyard cover 70 hectares in total: 64 hectares de Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie -AOC, 2 hectares de Gros-Plant Sur Lie - VDQS, 2 hectares de Gamay Rosé - VDQS, 2 hectares de Cabernet Rouge -VDQS.

Thanks to the experience passed on from generations and thanks to technological progress, Menard-Gaborit make wine with passion, respect and professionalism. French Ministry of Environment had given the winery the Title of REASONED AGRICULTURE QUALIFIED ESTATE. This is the result of all hard work in the vineyards without too much use of chemicals and all the care and consideration taken for the environment.

Eddy Oosterlinck is Belgian by birth. In 1985 Eddy and his wife Mileine took the plunge with the purchase of their first vineyard; a mere 0.35 hectares of vines. Oosterlinck the quincaillier became Oosterlinck the vigneron, It was not until 1986 that he first produced any wine although speaking to Eddy he will tell you that 1997 was his true 'first vintage' since he regards everything before that to be experimental. The process of exploration and feeling his way gradually moved towards the sort of viticulture and wines that Eddy really desired. Along the way he acquired more vines totaling 2.5 hectares in 1994 when he moved towards organic viticulture. Currently Domaine de Juchepie produces only 15,000 bottles on a mere 7 hectares on red and green slate soil. The oldest vines were planted in the 1890's. Juchepie is situated between Faye d'Anjou and Beaulieu sur Layon. To the south lies the Layon, about 1 km away. A small stream runs alongside the Juchepie, eventually joining the Layon. The proximity of these rivers, augmented by the occurrence of morning mist or rain stimulates the development of botrytis at Juchepie. Vintages rich in botrytis allow Eddy to make his beloved sweet cuvees. The wines are gently pressed over a 24 hour period and no sulfur is used during this process; only carbon dioxide gas. The wines of Domaine de Juchepie are an experience.