The House That Romain Built
Domaine Guiberteau is a Saumur estate that has elevated this Loire appellation’s profile and given the underrated Cabernet Franc its proper due. Discover the wines and genius winemaker behind the house of Domain Guiberteau.
To say that Romain Guiberteau has taken Saumur to a higher elevation in the sight of wine aficionados would not be an exaggeration. Romain Guiberteau began his vinous journey on a whim in 1996 but rapidly emerged the ‘grand vigneron’ of Loire Valley, turning out stunning vintages in Saumur appellation’s Brézé vineyards where he established Domaine Guiberteau. The appellation has long been held in high regard for the quality of its Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Guiberteau is a protégé of Clos Rougeard, who helped redefine Loire’s Saumur region and Guiberteau in his own right has taken the region to the next level with his organic, low interventionist approach. Loire Valley has long been underrated, compared to Bordeaux, Burgundy and Rhone Valley but modern and creative winemakers like Guiberteau have been shining a light on Loire Valley’s immense potential.
The north western region is France’s third largest, fed by the Loire river which in fact the country’s longest. The region’s more prodigious sub regions of Sancerre and Vouvray are known for expressive and complex wines but can’t overshadow Saumur. The vast appellation sits in Middle Loire atop an unquestionably good reputation for making both stills and sparklers from vines carpeting over 2300 hectares. 17 of its most prized hectares belong to Domaine Guiberteau in the commune of Brézé. Guiberteau has organically farmed the vine parcels rooted in limestone and chalky soils along with pleasant maritime weather with continental touches to turn out a stellar Chenin Blanc that draws on flint soils to express delightful minerality to go with citrus and peach while his Cabernet Franc impresses with barrel aged charm and palate of succulent cherries and herbs.
Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Blanc 2023
Chenin Blanc is the original Saumur grape that Guiberteau has turned into an internationally star in his family’s estate in the notable region of Brézé. The flint rich soils impart the wine with distinct minerality to go with citrus and peach, capped by crackling acidity, finishing clean.
