The Estate
The Domaine de la Renière extends over 16 hectares at the outskirts of Puy-Notre-Dame, near Saumur (Maine-et-Loire). It is primarily composed of Chenin Blanc, along with Cabernet Franc and a small amount of Chardonnay, growing on tuffeau chalk soil.
Thibault Masse took over the estate in 2018 with his associate, Guillaume Poitevin.
In Puy-Notre-Dame, the tuffeau chalk shapes the wines beautifully. This limestone rock, characteristic of the region, is rich in trace elements and ensures a steady water supply for the vines. It imparts a distinctive identity to the resulting wines.
The vineyard is cultivated using organic farming practices with minimal inputs. The goal is to further reduce these inputs in the future, favoring, for example, plant-based infusions.
The Wine
Grapes: Cabernet Franc & Sauvignon, 5% Chenin
Soil: Clay-limestone soil, with Turonian-type tuffeau chalk bedrock
Vine Age: 6 to 35 years
Origin: Two original plots—an old vine from Clos de la Renière, facing the estate, and a young vine located on the Cerisaie hill
Vinification: Hand harvesting. Direct pressing, fermented and aged in red wine barrels. Unfiltered…
Tasting
A fascinating outlier crafted by Thibault Masse. Over time, this Blanc de Noirs has lost its rosé hue, initially imparted by aging in red wine barrels. The wine is light, focused on pure drinking pleasure, with no heaviness whatsoever.
