Sagesse des Sols

The year 2020 marked the start of an adventure for Sagesse des Sols, a story led by Cathy and Fred. For Fred, this adventure represents the metamorphosis of the family vineyard in Anjou, a transformation towards organic viticulture. The vines, home to varieties such as Grolleau, Chenin, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pineau d'Aunis, some of which are over 50 years old, have forged his passion for taste and made grapes his favorite fruit. Among them all, her favorite is the Grolleau, with its delicious, gourmet and juicy side. For Cathy, this adventure is above all a passion for flavors and colors. Her childhood spent growing vegetables, her studies in Bordeaux and her winemaking experience in Lebanon, South Africa and Australia have shaped her into an expert taster. Always eager to discover new things, she devotes her time and attention to highlighting everyday pleasures through her photography. The Sagesse des Sols estate carries out meticulous work in the vineyards to reveal the multiple terroirs located less than a kilometer from the winery. They grow Loire grape varieties such as Chenin, as well as local Anjou varieties such as Grolleau and Pineau d'Aunis. From pruning the vines to tilling the soil and tasting the berries before harvest, Cathy and Fred's approach focuses on fruit, freshness and balance. The vineyards are planted on sandstone schist with localized quartz veins, overlooking the Layon River. The sandy-clay subsoil confers freshness at depth, giving the wines the desired balance and freshness. To maintain this autonomy, the soil is enriched with manure from locally-raised cattle and covered with faba beans and oats. The hares are particularly fond of the faba beans, and find a protective shelter among the vines. Their fine cuvées are well worth tasting. In particular, their cuvée “Toucher Terre,” a Chenin vinified for 12 months in barrel, from the locality of “Les Ruaux,” is a favorite. Crisp and airy, with subtle woody notes, this complex Chenin offers superb persistence on the palate, a taste experience that will take you to new heights of pleasure.