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DOMAINE DES GRILLEMONTS
Saumur Champigny

The AOC Saumur Champigny, since 1957, covers Saumur and 8 other communes (Montsoreau, St. Cyr-en-Bourg, Châcé, Dampierre, Parnay, Souzay-Champigny, Turquant and Varrains) located south-east of the town on the south bank of the Loire River. Here where the soil is calcareous and limestone (tuffeau) and covers 1400 ha (3460 acres), 140 producers (Domaines) produce 83,000 hectoliters (8,300,000 liters) of wine. The tuffeau (limestone) was dug out of the cliffs and hills to build the many chateaux along the Loire River, leaving many tunnels that were converted into Troglodytes (caves) that have an ideal temperature to conserve wines.
Wine has been made here since Roman times. The name Champigny actually comes from the Latin word “campus ignis” (champs de feu in French) meaning “fields of fire” (in English), due to the incredible microclimate and the white chalky soil that absorbs the heat during the day and releases it at night, and also reflects the sun’s rays back onto the grapes. This soil composition is great for absorbing and draining water.

Domaine des Grillemonts (corporate name Earl Bourdin) owned by winemakers Thierry and Lydie Chancelle, is located in the heart of the Appellation Saumur-Champigny overlooking the Loire River, located 6 miles east of Saumur and 2 miles from the Royal Abbey of Fonteurault. 34 acres of vineyards with vines from 30–70 years old sit on top of cliffs made of argilla-calcareous soil growing 60% Cabernet Franc (locally called Breton) and 40% Chenin Blanc (Pinot de Loire). The grapes are hand harvested, macerated for 15-21 days at 26°, and vinified in the typical Troglodytes (tuffeau caves).

Saumur Champigny usually has a robe with violet reflections when young, evolving into purple and ruby with maturity. It has a rich aromatic expression of blackberries, cassis and violets, sometimes followed by spicy notes of under-woods and leather. It has an extraordinary complexity in the mouth, thanks to its delicate, velvety and silky tannins. Saumur Champigny is a charming wine in its youth but can give great please to those who can wait for it’s maturity. Great with red meat, game and cheeses.