Domaine Chauveau

DOMAINE CHAUVEAU: THE HISTORY OF THE VINEYARD

In 1995, Benoit Chauveau, born into a family of winegrowers for several generations, took over part of his parents' vineyard. Two years later, he started to exploit his grandparents' vines. At present, the estate covers about 17 hectares, of which 15 hectares are in the Pouilly-Fumé and Pouilly-sur-Loire appellations, and about two hectares in the Coteaux du Giennois.

The vines grow on different types of soil: flinty clay, Kimmeridgian marl and Villiers limestone. In addition, various grape varieties are grown on the estate for wine production, including Sauvignon Blanc and Chasselas. For some years now, Benoit Chauveau has also been planting Gamay and Pinot Noir.

In order to offer quality wines, the Domaine Chauveau relies on rigorous monitoring, but also on the implementation of techniques for cultivating the vines in a sustainable manner. Thus, depending on the diseases, Benoit Chauveau recommends a reduced use of treatment products on the vine. For the work on the vines, he favours manual pruning of the "Guyot simple" type. This winemaker also practices disbudding and tying up. The grape harvest is carried out mechanically as well as other work on the vine such as ploughing and trimming.

In addition, the estate now has various labels and certifications. Since 2020, it has been awarded the High Environmental Value (HVE) certification. The latter corresponds to the validation of several environmental indicators based on four themes. These include the preservation of biodiversity, the limitation of phytosanitary impact, the responsible fertilisation management and the reasoned water management.

POUILLY-FUMÉS ACCLAIMED BY THE PRESS

The Domaine Chauveau plants its vines in the Pouilly-Fumé AOC. The berries of the Sauvignon grape variety, also called Blanc Fumé, are distinguished by their smoky colour obtained thanks to the grey bloom that covers them when ripe. The name Pouilly-Fumé also comes from the taste of the wines described as gun flint, specific to the Pouilly-sur-Loire terroir. Pouilly Fumé keeps its aromatic characteristics for 3 to 4 years. It is therefore recommended to drink it young.

Domaine Chauveau proposes today different cuvées of Pouilly-Fumé acclaimed by the press (Gault & Millau, Vert de Vin, etc.) :

• Pouilly-Fumé Les Croqloups: made from Sauvignon Blanc vines of an average of 40 years old growing on flinty clay soil.
• Pouilly-Fumé La Charmette: growing on Villiers limestone and Kimmeridgian marl.
• Pouilly-Fumé Sainte Clélie: growing on Kimmeridgian marl.

COTEAUX DU GIENNOIS TO EXTEND THE RANGE

In addition to the plots in the commune of Saint Andelain, Domaine Chauveau also has plots in the commune of Cosne-sur-Loire, in Montour. Benoit Chauveau grows Gamay and Pinot Noir for the production of Coteaux du Giennois red wines. Sauvignon Blanc vines have also been planted for the production of Coteaux du Giennois white wine, represented by the cuvées called Silex and Calcaire. The former is made from young Sauvignon Blanc vines growing on flinty clay (silex) soil. The second is produced from vines of an average age of 20 years growing on flinty clay and clay-limestone (calcaire) soils. To complete its offer, Domaine Chauveau also produces Coteaux du Giennois wines distributed under the Benoit Chauveau brand.

SANCERRES DISTRIBUTED BY THE DOMAINE

In addition to Pouilly-Fumés and Coteaux du Giennois, Domaine Chauveau also distributes Sancerre wines under the Benoit Chauveau brand. The estate markets red, white and rosé wines under the Sancerre appellation:

• Sancerre Blanc Benoit Chauveau: made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety, this white wine is made from caillottes and clay-limestone soils.
• Sancerre Rouge Benoit Chauveau: this red wine is produced from Pinot Noir grapes grown on flinty clay and clay-limestone soils.
• Sancerre Rosé Benoit Chauveau: this rosé wine is made from Pinot Noir grapes.