[Magnum] Domaine de la Renière - Saumur Rouge 2023

The Producer

The history of Domaine de la Renière dates back to 1631, when the property was a farm owned by the Gay family, who ensured its transmission for several centuries. In 2018, the estate experienced a major turning point when Thibault Masse took over the property, thus becoming the first winemaker outside the founding family. He then partnered with Guillaume Poitevin to relaunch and modernize the operation while respecting its heritage. Driven by a deep passion for viticulture, particularly for Chenin, Thibault Masse relies on a solid education in vine sciences and oenology, complemented by experiences in prestigious estates, before settling in Puy-Notre-Dame with the ambition of revealing the historical potential of the estate.

Le vignoble s’étend aujourd’hui sur environ 16 hectares situés autour du Puy-Notre-Dame, au cœur de l’appellation Saumur. Les vignes reposent sur des sols de craie tuffeau et d’argilo-calcaire typiques de la région, particulièrement favorables à l’expression du chenin blanc et du cabernet franc. Ce terroir, riche en oligo-éléments et doté d’une excellente régulation hydrique, permet d’obtenir des raisins à la maturité lente et équilibrée, conférant aux vins leur fraîcheur, leur précision et leur signature minérale. Depuis la reprise par Thibault Masse, le domaine est conduit en agriculture biologique, avec une attention particulière portée à l’équilibre naturel de la vigne et à la biodiversité.

Today, Thibault Masse fully embodies the identity of the estate and directs its style with a precise and low-intervention approach. The harvests are done manually, the fermentations primarily rely on indigenous yeasts, and the aging is designed to preserve the expression of the terroirs, sometimes in tanks, barrels, or amphorae. A proponent of collective work among winemakers and environmentally respectful viticulture, he is gradually developing a parcel-based understanding of the vineyard to highlight the diversity of the soils. Under his leadership, Domaine de la Renière is now establishing itself as a rising signature of Saumurois, recognized for the elegance, purity, and precision of its cuvées.

The Cuvée

Manual harvests, fermentation with indigenous yeasts, short maceration of a few days. Aging in stainless steel tank. Bottled in spring.

Tasting

In a very Burgundian style, Thibault Masse here shows us the extent of his winemaking talent with this round, juicy, silky Cabernet Franc of remarkable elegance. Guaranteed favorite!

Serve it with chocolate and red fruit desserts, a Saint-Nectaire, or poultry with mushrooms.