Les Grandes Vignes – 100% Pineau d’Aunis 2020

Domaine Les Grandes Vignes encapsulates a history that dates back to the 17th century, a captivating chronicle of family-owned lands passed down with pride from generation to generation. Today, this invaluable legacy is entrusted to the capable hands of three Vaillant siblings: Laurence, Dominique, and Jean-François, who have wholeheartedly embraced the art of winemaking. Located in Thouarcé, at the heart of the Loire region, the estate spans an impressive 55 hectares of vineyards. These vineyards are cultivated without the use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or insecticides, proudly holding certifications for both organic and biodynamic farming practices. While it undoubtedly involves hard work, the Vaillant family benefits from having a large family and a reliable team of farmworkers who are employed year-round. Each year, herbs and perennial plants are carefully planted alongside hedges and shrubs, contributing to a rich biodiversity within the vineyards. Vineyard treatments incorporate various biodynamic preparations, herbal infusions, manure, and compost. Small quantities of copper and sulfur are used in plant infusions to combat mildew. The pruning and soil cultivation activities are meticulously scheduled in harmony with the lunar cycle. The vineyard’s soils are diverse, ranging from gray and green schist, phtanite, quartz, and ‘falun coquillé’ to various types of gravel and sand. These soils provide a nurturing environment for a variety of grape varietals, including Chenin, Cabernet Franc, Grolleau, Pineau d’Aunis, Cabernets, and Grolleau. In the cellar, the intervention with the wines is kept to a minimum, with no external additives or invasive processes. All of their wines are proudly crafted without the addition of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and remain unclarified and unfiltered. There are some exceptions for wines with residual sugars, which may contain a maximum of 2-3 g/hL of SO2. Most of their wines undergo a maturation period lasting between 6 and 12 months in barrels and tanks. Domaine Les Grandes Vignes boasts an extensive inventory of over 300 barrels, ensuring an ideal environment for optimal winemaking and aging processes.->Discover all the wines of Les Grandes Vignes Winery