Yvonne Rouge is a Saumur Champigny crafted from Cabernet Franc grown on 2 hectares of clay-limestone soils over tuffeau in Parnay and Turquant. The vineyard, with vines aged 15 to 50 years, has been certified organic since 1997, employing manual soil work and herbal treatments without synthetic chemicals. The 2021 vintage, marked by a warm summer and timely rains in late August, allowed for optimal ripening. Harvested manually in late September, the grapes underwent a 4-week maceration in 38hl tronconic vats with natural fermentation, followed by 22 months of aging—12 months in 20% new oak barrels and 9 months in foudres.
Château Yvonne Saumur Champigny 2021
Château Yvonne, located in the historic village of Parnay along the Loire River, has roots dating back to the Middle Ages when the village supplied wine for the Fontevraud Abbey. The 16th-century estate housed winemakers for centuries before falling silent after the First World War. Revitalization began in 1997 when Yvonne and Jean-François Lamunière reestablished the vineyard with guidance from Françoise Foucault, earning acclaim for its Chenin Blanc wines. In 2007, Mathieu Vallée took over, expanding the estate with 5 hectares in Champigny and shifting its focus to reds, cultivating 8 hectares of Cabernet Franc alongside 3 hectares of Chenin Blanc.
The estate has continued to innovate, introducing a state-of-the-art winery in 2019 to enhance precision winemaking while adhering to eco-friendly practices. Recent developments include the addition of Pineau d'Aunis vines, producing a new cuvée, Bay Rouge, and the acquisition of 4 hectares in Parnay, including the historic Clos de la Pouge. In 2024, Château Yvonne launched an agroforestry initiative, planting Pineau d'Aunis amidst trees to integrate biodiversity with viticulture, symbolized by their new cuvée, The Trees. This legacy of tradition and innovation defines Château Yvonne’s commitment to excellence.
Saumur Champigny is a prestigious red wine appellation in the Loire Valley, centered around the town of Saumur. Known for producing elegant and aromatic wines, it is predominantly made from Cabernet Franc, with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon allowed. The region's unique terroir, characterized by clay-limestone soils over tuffeau, imparts a distinct minerality and freshness to the wines.
The wines of Saumur Champigny are celebrated for their vibrant red fruit flavors, subtle spice, and silky tannins, offering both immediate drinkability and aging potential. With a rich history of viticulture, the appellation emphasizes sustainable and organic practices, reflecting the area's dedication to quality and respect for the environment. Saumur Champigny wines are versatile, pairing well with a variety of dishes, from roasted meats to soft cheeses.
Givry is home to several Premier Cru vineyards, producing reds that are supple, spicy, and balanced, and whites that are dense yet lively. Although the region experienced a decline following the phylloxera epidemic in the late 19th century, producers like Domaine Joblot have led its resurgence, placing Givry firmly back on the map of Burgundy’s esteemed appellations. Known for approachable wines with excellent aging potential, Givry offers a compelling mix of history, terroir, and quality.
