Domaine de la Renière
Puy-Notre-Dame, Saumur, France
Thibault Masse
Thibault Masse took over Domaine de la Renière in 2018, along with partner, Guillaume Poitevin. He chose this domain because he is a lover of Chenin and in Puy-Notre-Dame, he was eager to work this variety, grown on tuffeau-chalk to express it’s unique identity. This limestone rock, characteristic of the region, is rich in trace elements and provides a regular water supply for the vines. Additionally, he was inspired by the winegrower community that is building in Puy-Notre-Dame and regularly exchanges ideas and equipment with his neighbors.
Previously all fruit was sold to negociants and with the sale, the Gay family asked Thibault to take control of all 17 ha and keep the name.
“My ambition ? Rely on the history of the estate to breathe new life and go further in the wines.
--THIBAULT MASSE
-
There is energy brewing in the village of Puy-Notre-Dame. With a strong community of vignerons coupled with it’s unique situation, high atop a hill of sheer tuffeau-chalk (the highest in the region), it’s easy to understand what inspired young Thibault Masee to take on the historic Domaine de la Renière when it came up for sale in 2018.
La Renière has existed since 1631. Before being a wine estate, the place was a farm, which already belonged to the Gay family. Thibaud became the first person outside the family to take over the estate but is quick to assert that there were many generations that came before him. Now just a few years in, Thibault is pushing the estate closer to it’s potential, converting its vineyards to organics, focused on Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc
-
AOC Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame is the most recent Saumur appellations, obtaining its AOC status in 2009, exclusively for red. Following two decades of struggles and initiatives from the community’s wine growers. The village is 20 km south of the Loire (and Saumur) and sits on a hill of tuffeau, which is the highest point (at 106m) in the entire region. Puy comes from the Celtic “Peuch” which means small mountain. The vineyard soils are between 50 and 105 meters above sea level, well sheltered from spring frosts. They are mainly on Turonian (chalk-tuffeau) as well as on Jurassic and Eocene limestones which constitute plateaus dominated by thin stony soils.
-
The Renière estate extends over 18 hectares, at the end of Puy-Notre-Dame, near Saumur (Maine-et-Loire). It is mainly planted with Chenin blanc, Cabernet Franc with a little Chardonnay, on a tuffeau chalk soil.
Thibault has planted fruit trees, hedges, etc to increase biodiversity. He is keeping tall grasses to retain water now with hotter vintages.
-
* *Vinification (whites):* Indigenous yeast fermentation in stainless steel tank, no malo, aging in stainless steel, barrel and/or sandstone amphora.
* *Vinification (reds):* 100% de-stemmed, short maceration, indigenous fermentation in stainless steel, aging in stainless steel, barrel and/or demi-muids.
Wines
Uru-Anna Rosé Brut Nature NV
100% Cabernet Franc. From old vines planted in the Clos de la Renière, facing the domaine. Vinification: Direct pressed, fermentation begins in tank and then is stopped with a temperature drop and bottled for second fermentation. Aged one year on lattes, then disgorged with zero dosage.
La Cerisaie Saumur Blanc
100% Chenin Blanc from two parcels (1.5 ha) situated on the Cerisaie hill, a short walk from the domaine, based in Le Puy Notre Dame. The vines are southeast-facing, on chalky Tuffeau soils with Turonian bedrock. Planted in 2005 and 2012. Vinification: Pneumatic pressing, indigenous yeast fermentation in stainless steel tank, no malo, aged 6 months in stainless steel, lightly filtered.
Saumur Blanc Coulée d’Arthenay
100% Chenin Blanc. A parcel selection from the vines behind the house within the Clos de la Cerisaie. Vines planted in the 1950s in soil that is more clay-limestone over tuffeau chalk. Ambient yeast fermentation, malolactic fermentation and aging for 24 months in used barrels, lightly filtered. SO2 added once before bottling.
Louisa Rosé Val de Loire NV
Cabernet/Chenin Blanc. Old vines planted in the Clos de la Renière for the Cab Franc, young vines from Cerisaie (on a small hill at the top of the village) for the Chenin. Vinification: Both varieties directly pressed together, fermented and aged in older red wine barrel, no filtration.
La Renière Saumur Rouge
100% Cabernet Franc. From vines surrounding the domaine at the edge of the village of Puy-Notre-Dame planted in the 1990s. Clay-limestone topsoil, on Turonian bedrock of tuffeau chalk. Vinification: 100% de-stemmed, short (3 day) maceration to preserve fruit and finesse, indigenous yeast fermentation and short aging in stainless steel tank.
Saumur Rouge Puy-Notre-Dame Moulin Repenti 2021
100% Cabernet Franc. From vines located within the Clos de la Cerisaie vineyard planted in the 1980s. Clay-limestone topsoil, on Turonian bedrock of tuffeau chalk. Certified organic since 2021. 100% de-stemmed, 2-week ambient yeast fermentation and maceration with no added SO2, malolactic fermentation and aging for 12 months in barrels and demi-muids, filtered, SO2 added before bottling.