Saumur Champigny, Clos du Château de Parnay

Located along the Loire River, Chateau de Parnay covers 35 hectares in the heart of Anjou-Samur region and is a leading estate of the AOC Samur Champigny and situated on a UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded in the 15th century, this estate is steeped in history and prestige, most notably the advancements made by Antoine Cristal who bought the property in 1887. Often named “Father Cristal”, Antione was devoted to improving the Vineyard, and did this in true eccentric style – full velvet attire, clogs and a cap. When Phylloxera struck the region in 1890, he was revolutionary with his approach, purchasing some of the first American rootstock, removing diseased century old wood and grafting new vines almost immediately. He even founded a grafting school to educate others in the region in order to save the Angevin and Touraine vineyards. Furthermore, he was one of the earliest to use wire to manipulate Vines and improve their positioning without drastic vineyard replanting. In his old age, some of the Vineyard fell into disrepair and the subsequent owners did not reach the groundbreaking heights of the Antione Cristal era.

However, in 2006 Régis Vincenot and Mathias Levron took over with their aspiration to return Chateau de Parnay to its former grandeur and once again it became a leading estate in the illustrious Loire Valley. Not only this, they became certified Organic in 2013 and were able to sustain the tradition of Terroir driven wine. The preservation of the clay-limestone soil was central as a means to respect the land, but in truth, a matter of necessity to achieve this revered style. Régis Vincenot and Mathias Levron were able to use skills acquired at Chateau Prince where they had ventured previously. At the vineyard level, they controlled their yields more, trellised their vines and upped the leaf area drastically. The real crowning jewel is the unique Walled Garden “Clos d’Entre les Murs”. 2.5-metre-high walls that enclose 11 parallel walls, 2 metres high, 60 cm deep, going east to west. The vines are planted on the north face and trained through holes so they grow on the other side. The Vines essentially have their “feet in the shade and their bellies in the sun” permitting the vines to thrive with the grapes maturing perfectly.

The other Vineyard sites are just as special, all situated on clay-limestone soil. Plots 1 – 3 are in La Côte, which straddles the communes Souzay-Champigny and Parnay. La Côte disseminates their proximity to the Loire, merely 200 metres away. Plot number 4 resides at Dampierre-sur-Loire, more specifically the Butte de la Folie which is known for its early ripening and impressive view of the Loire.