The Vibrant Wines of Domaine de la Garrelière
Domaine de la Garrelière, once owned by the Duke of Richelieu, has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. The estate, located on a hill in Southern Touraine, was acquired by Pierre Plouzeau in 1973. Pierre, a wine merchant from Chinon, fell in love with the property and began a comprehensive restructuring and replanting project, introducing noble grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Gamay.
In 1985, François Plouzeau, Pierre's son, took over the estate. Alongside his wife Pascale, François continued the work of revitalizing the vineyards, adding Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay to the mix. Today, the estate reaches 20 hectares, all cultivated biodynamically.
François and Pascale Plouzeau are dedicated to biodynamic farming, a method that aligns with the natural rhythms and cycles of the earth. They use a variety of plants to create synergistic effects, preparing herbal teas and fermented plant extracts to enhance vine health and soil fertility. Their approach minimizes the use of external inputs, relying instead on natural solutions to combat pests and diseases.
Terroir and Vineyard Management:
The vineyards of Domaine de la Garrelière benefit from diverse soils, including clay-limestone, flint, and wind-blown sands. This variety allows the vines to express the unique characteristics of their terroir. The estate's highest point, at 130 meters, provides excellent sun exposure, further enhancing grape ripeness.
Wine Production:
François Plouzeau's wines are crafted with minimal intervention, using native yeasts for fermentation and avoiding fining and filtration. This approach preserves the natural flavors and complexity of the wines.
The estate produces a range of wines, including:
Le Blanc de la Mariée: A Sauvignon Blanc with a terroir of wind-blown sand on flint clay.
Cendrillon: A Sauvignon Blanc, partially aged in 500-liter barrels.
Le P'tit Ch'nin: A Chenin Blanc from young vines, fermented and aged on fine lees.
Gamay Sans Tra La La: A Gamay with semi-carbonic maceration, aged in concrete vats.
Cinabre: A Cabernet Franc from vines planted in 1978, aged in 500-liter barrels.
The labels:
The wines have fun and creative labels designed by local artists, each telling a unique story. For instance, their 'Cendrillon' wine, named after Cinderella, has a label inspired by the fairy tale.
The Plouzeaus' passion and intuition shine through in every bottle, making Domaine François Plouzeau a standout producer in the Loire Valley.