A PASSION PASSED DOWN FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION
A FAMILY AFFAIR
The Gasnier family has been cultivating vines for four generations. Fabrice and Sandrine Gasnier are the proud heirs of winemakers who have tended the vineyards since the beginning of the 20th century. Indeed, it was at that time that Aimé Gasnier, Fabrice's great-grandfather, began a mixed farming operation on 3 hectares. His son, Hubert, took over the estate in 1935 and continued the family business throughout the Second World War. In 1950, the estate comprised17 hectares.
The monoculture of the vineyard only began in 1966 when Jacky, Fabrice's father, took over. He initiated major transformations and restructurings of the estate. From a very young age, his son dreamed of continuing this fine tradition. In 1990, after studying oenology in the Loire Valley, Burgundy, and elsewhere, he succeeded his father. In the early 2000s, his wife joined him in this venture.
In early 2008 the estate experienced aorganic and biodynamic viticultureThis philosophy marks every stage of the winemakers' work, respecting nature and their environment.
A magical terroir
A MOSAIC OF SOILS BENEFITING THE KING GRAPE VARIETIES OF THE LOIRE VALLEY
Todaythe estate comprises 30 hectaresNear the town of Chezelet, in theLoire Valley, THEGasnier estatehas the opportunity to experience four types of terroir. Indeed, the Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc vines concentrate their aromas differently, depending on where they are planted.
While granite soils allow for the absorption of heat during the day and its release at night, clay and sand concentrate aromas in the berries. The filtering nature of this terroir encourages the vines to send their roots deep into the earth and work harder to nourish the grapes. In addition to these specific characteristics, the vines are also planted on hillsides with soils composed of clay, chalk, and flint. This geographical location allows for natural soil drainage and a balance between hydration and water stress, essential for the plant.
The winemakers use no inputs to maintain the vineyard. The vine shoots are reused to enrich the soil. Therefore, nothing is lost and nothing is created; everything is transformed to ensure fertile ground for the vines to flourish.
A family attuned to its local traditions
THE INTERPRETATION OF THE TERROIR IN EACH VINTAGE
THEFabrice and Sandrine Gasnier's vineyardis certified“organic viticulture”certified by Ecocert since 2008 and inbiodynamicsCertified by Demeter. With absolute respect for the vine, the estate treats its soils naturally. The two king grape varieties of the region, Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc, are lovingly tended by the winemakers.
Cabernet Franc, in particular, is a demanding grape variety. It requires a great deal of attention, including a fairly early harvest. Vinification takes place in barrels. Fermentation is gentle, and the wine is aged in oak.
Each vintage is a particular interpretation of their terroir: in white, in red; in sparkling or still rosé,the Gasnier family enhances the Loire Valley.
