Winemaker Notes
The Château de Parnay is a flagship estate of the AOC Saumur Champigny. The property is located along the Loire River. In 2006, this esteemed property was acquired by Regis Vincenot and Mathias Levron who transformed the land into a jewel of the Loire Valley, as well and becoming Certified Organic since 2013. Mathias’ Philosophy is as such: « Good grapes for good wine. We have focused on organic wine process and sustainable farming. To achieve our goals we must watch our vines closely and we must make careful and precise selection of our plants».
Marked by great châteaux built with the same tuffeau limestone that is also responsible for the excavation of so many of the famed Loire caves, Saumur is famous for its Chenin blanc based sparkling wines. Inside the Saumur region, Saumur-Champigny creates some of the Loire’s greatest Cabernet Francs.
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.