FRA_GG_N45-WEB

LOIRE VALLEY
– STYLES –
for four generations. “The defining feature of the Cheninbased
off-dry wines is not their substantial minerality”,
comments Ludovic Pin. “The harvest date is key to
producing wines with aromatic finesse and a hue that lends
them beautiful freshness, revolving around the Cabernet-
Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc varieties for the rosés and
Chenin for the off-dry whites. Although consumers shy
away from sweet wines, rounded, fruity wines with lovely
freshness are in great demand”. Their popularity is stoked
by the location of the vineyard, which reduces the high
temperatures that lessen acidity, and by the clay and schist
soil that instils freshness.
David Grellier with Jérémie Papin (right), the cellar master
at Château La Varière
CHÂTEAU LA VARIÈRE: THE ANJOU FLAGSHIP
Nestled in France’s ‘Valley of the Kings’, Château La
Varière has been demonstrating the excellence of one
of the oldest properties in Anjou since the 15 th century.
This extensive 150-hectare vineyard belongs to Orchidées
Maisons de Vin, whose estates, chateaux and companies
boast a presence throughout the Loire. Château La Varière
produces wonderful wines under the Anjou, Anjou-Villages
Brissac, Cabernet and Rosé d’Anjou, Rosé de Loire, Coteaux
de l’Aubance, Coteaux du Layon, Bonnezeaux and Quarts
de Chaume appellations. “Our challenge is to promote
and boost recognition of Loire Valley wines in France
and abroad, by developing a high-end range with off-dry
wines at its core”, explains the chateau’s technical director
David Grellier. “The main grape varieties, Cabernet Franc,
Cabernet-Sauvignon and Chenin, are key components
of the typical and remarkably appealing off-dry wines”.
Certified High Environmental Value Level 3, this excellent
estate is one of the cornerstones of the reputation of Anjou
wines in France and globally, whose success stems from a
famous Cabernet planted on Anjou gravel soils.
The vineyards at Château La Varière
DOMAINE BOUTET-SAULNIER:
HISTORIC OFF-DRY WINES
In the heart of the Chartier valley to the East of Vouvray,
this property covers 13 hectares. Christophe Boutet has
been at the estate’s helm since 1997 and was joined by his
wife Astrid in 2012. In their third year of conversion to
organic farming, the two passionate winegrowers produce
two off-dry wines – Harmonie and Le Clos Dubois – on
62 AUTUMN 2021 GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE