2019 is Vanessa Cherruau's first vintage at Château de Plaisance in Anjou and what a début! Her wines are brilliant and her concern for sustainability runs so much more than skin deep. For Loire geeks, there is a super discussion about the hill of Chaume, famous for producing stellar sweet wines and for having the only official crus in the Loire, but where incredible dry whites are now also being made.
It's a 2 hour + interview (apologies!) but Anjou is a fascinating region and Vanessa a captivating vigneronne. Our website and youtube channels have a detailed track list, allowing you to skip to whatever section you want to tlisten to.
(Our apologies for the sound on Paul's end —the ransom of living in gorgeous but semi-remote countryside— but the most important voice, Vanessa's, is crystal clear.)
Young Emmanuel Ogereau is a rising star in the Loire. He, and his parents, are also some of the nicest vignerons we work with. In this episode, he takes us on a deep dive into Anjou Noir and his biodynamically farmed vineyards on each bank of the Layon river and in Savennières. It's a 2.5 hour interview (apologies!) but there was just so much to cover. Our website and youtube channels have a detailed track list, allowing you to skip to whatever section you want to tlisten to.
Jean-Baptiste Souillard talks about his experience in Burgundy, Cornas, St. Joseph.
Virginie and Nicolas Joly of Coulée de Serrant about biodynamics, biodiversity, viticulture and winemaking.
Brendan and Arnaud discuss the complex terroirs of Saumur and the stylistic differences between Domaines Stater-West, Guiberteau and Arnaud Lambert.
Olivier Lamy tell us about high density plantings, non-hedging, Saint-Aubin, and the importance of crushing.
Pascal talks about the Mugneret family history, biodynamics, hedging, tilling, and whole cluster vinification.
Francois Huré and Aurélien Gerbais discuss the terroirs of the Montagne de Reims, the Aube, winemaking and viticulture.
At the Burgundy 2009 retrospective tasting last year, many vignerons thought David’s wines were the best. We agree. And some changes in the last few vintages have put them in yet another league. Paul speaks to David Croix about his career starting with Comte Armand and Camille Giroud, as well as non-hedging, winemaking and the vineyards of Beaune.
