The Producer
The history of Domaine de la Renière dates back to 1631, when the estate was a working farm owned by the Gay family, who preserved and passed it down through generations for several centuries. In 2018, the estate entered a new chapter when Thibault Masse took over the property, becoming the first winemaker outside the founding family to lead the domaine. He joined forces with Guillaume Poitevin to revive and modernize the estate while remaining true to its rich heritage. Driven by a deep passion for viticulture—and particularly for Chenin Blanc—Thibault Masse built on a strong academic background in viticulture and oenology, complemented by experience at several prestigious wine estates, before settling in Le Puy-Notre-Dame with the ambition of unlocking the full historical potential of the domaine.
Today, the vineyard covers approximately 16 hectares surrounding Le Puy-Notre-Dame, in the heart of the Saumur appellation. The vines are rooted in the region’s characteristic tuffeau chalk and clay-limestone soils, which are particularly well suited to expressing the character of Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Rich in trace minerals and offering excellent water regulation, these soils promote slow, balanced ripening, giving the wines their freshness, precision, and distinctive mineral character. Since Thibault Masse took over the estate, the vineyards have been farmed organically, with particular attention paid to maintaining the natural balance of the vines and encouraging biodiversity.
Today, Thibault Masse fully embodies the identity of Domaine de la Renière, shaping its style through a precise, low-intervention approach to winemaking. Grapes are harvested by hand, fermentations rely predominantly on indigenous yeasts, and ageing is carefully tailored to preserve the expression of each terroir, whether in stainless steel tanks, oak barrels, or amphorae. A strong advocate of collaboration among winemakers and environmentally responsible viticulture, he is progressively developing a parcel-by-parcel approach to highlight the diversity of the estate’s soils. Under his leadership, Domaine de la Renière has emerged as one of the rising stars of the Saumur region, earning recognition for the elegance, purity, and precision of its wines.
The Cuvée
Hand-harvested. Fermented with indigenous yeasts. Aged on the lees in concrete tanks. Bottled in the spring.
Tasting
A 100% Chenin Blanc of remarkable elegance, revealing aromas of quince, bergamot, and makrut lime. The palate is refined and vibrant, where freshness, tension, and roundness come together in perfect harmony.
A perfect pairing for fish served with beurre blanc, regional Loire cheeses, and king prawns flambéed with whisky.