Looking for a vineyard with a touch of history and a stunning view of the Loire? Look no further than Château de Villeneuve, owned by the Chevallier family since 1969. This 18th century chateau has a long history of winemaking, with records dating back to 1577. Beneath the chateau lies a maze of old cellars, still in use today, and a modern winery was added in 2016 to ensure the best conditions for winemaking.
The estate boasts 22 hectares of Cabernet Franc and 5 hectares of Chenin Blanc, planted at a density of 5,500 vines per hectare on limestone soils. The average age of the vines is 40 years, with some parcels of 80-year-old vines from the owner's hometown. And since 2009, the vineyard has been certified organic, with the owner, Jean-Pierre Chevallier, farming according to organic principles since 1993.
In the vineyard, great care is taken at every stage of the vine's life cycle. Chevallier refuses to take shortcuts, using organic methods and emphasizing the importance of deep roots in producing stable and high-quality wines. Come harvest time, all grapes are hand-picked and sorted by hand to ensure only the best fruit is used.
Once in the winery, the grapes are gently delivered to underground vats using gravity, avoiding the harshness of pumps. Aging takes place in a variety of vessels, including foudres, 500L barrels, and concrete and stainless steel tanks, with minimal use of sulfur and no added yeast or chaptalization.
With a focus on quality and a commitment to organic farming, Château de Villeneuve produces balanced and mouth-watering wines that reflect the land and the family's expertise. And with the sixth generation already involved in the family business, the legacy of Château de Villeneuve is sure to continue for years to come. So why settle for any old vineyard when you can experience the history, tradition, and exceptional wines of Château de Villeneuve?
