Winemaker Notes
Domaine de la Bergerie has been a family estate since 1961, first purchased by Marie-Scholastique Horeau and eventually passed down to her grandson, Yves Guégniard, with his wife, Marie-Annick. A family affair, in 2018, Yves passed the reins to their daughters Anne and Marie.
The estate is in the heart of Côteaux du Layon, in the Anjou region of the central Loire Valley, and encompasses the famed Clos de la Bergerie. It has always adhered to a high standard of excellence, including green harvesting, strict sorting, and separate vinification of each parcel. They were certified organic in 2016, and the vineyards spread throughout multiple appellations, including Anjou (blanc and rouge), Savennières, Côteaux du Layon, and Quarts de Chaume. From soils of schist and clay, Chenin Blanc makes up the majority of their plantings, joined by other varietals, such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grolleau.
In addition to Anne’s work as the fourth generation of winemakers just beginning at Domaine de la Bergerie, the entire operation is a family affair: following stints with Alain Ducasse and Joël Robuchon, Anne’s husband, David, has opened a beautiful and renowned one-Michelin-star restaurant on the property. His local cuisine is a lovely complement to the outstanding sparkling and still wines made here. The succession of the next generation brings exciting new energy to this property – and fascinating wines.
Known for its delightful whites and sparkling Pétillant and Mousseux, made predominantly of Chenin blanc, Anjou has a temperate and dry maritime climate. The region's limited temperature variations are admiringly referred to locally as the “douceur angevine,” or “Anjou sweetness.” Fruit forward rosé and red wines from Cabernet Franc and Gamay merit Anjou its success within the Loire subregions.
Unquestionably one of the most diverse grape varieties, Chenin Blanc can do it all. It shines in every style from bone dry to unctuously sweet, oaked or unoaked, still or sparkling and even as the base for fortified wines and spirits. Perhaps Chenin Blanc’s greatest asset is its ever-present acidity, maintained even under warm growing conditions. Somm Secret—Landing in South Africa in the mid 1800s, today the country has double the acreage of Chenin Blanc planted compared to France. There is also a new wave of dedicated producers committed to restoring old Chenin vines.