Domaine Guiberteau
South of Saumur in the Loire Valley, Domaine Guiberteau farms important parcels in Brézé, Chacé, Bizay and Montreuil-Bellay. The family estate dates to the early 20th century; in 1954 Robert Guiberteau acquired vineyards on the hill of Brézé, including Clos des Carmes. Romain Guiberteau took charge in 1996 and released his first estate bottling the following year with guidance from Nady Foucault.The domaine now covers about 19 hectares, more than ten of them in Brézé. Chenin Blanc accounts for just over half the surface, with Cabernet Franc making up the balance; some vines are up to 80 years old. Certified organic since 2007, the vineyards combine permanent cover crops, careful soil work and no synthetic products to protect their limestone and tuffeau foundations. Fermentations rely on ambient yeasts, while élevage is adapted to each parcel in stainless steel, concrete, foudres or barrels. This measured approach keeps site and grape variety ahead of cellar technique.
