The father daughter team behind Saumur- Champigny’s Chateau du Hureau represents the 5th and the 6th generations of winemakers in their family. From around the stunning riverside Chateau with its octagonal tower, Philippe and Agathe Vatan source exquisite Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc from the vineyards that grow from the hillside above their underground cellar. There are 4 red wines under the Saumur- Champigny AOC appellation and 2 white wines to add dimension to the lineup. The total planted vineyard is 20 hectares with 18.5 ha Cabernet Franc and 1.5 ha Chenin Blanc.
Tuffe
| COD: France |
VARIETAL: Cabernet Franc |
| PRODUCER: Chateau du Hureau | VOLUME: 750ml |
Our “Tuffe” cuvée, previously known as “Grande Cuvée” is the largest one: 80 to 100,000 bottles/year, depending on the vintage. Coming from 15 parcels of old and young Cabernet Franc vines, Tuffe is a blend from different “terroirs”, scattered around Saumur and Dampierre/Loire. Here the common denominator is the tuffeau (around Saumur, we would say “la Tuffe”), which can be found at anything from 1 foot to a couple of yards underneath the surface.
Differences in soils, exposition, age of the vines: this patchwork is the real nature of the Saumur-Champigny appellation, and we want “Tuffe” to be an example of the charm of our appellation.
From a serious basis of really ripe Cabernet Franc grapes, this is a really serious wine… But which doesn’t take itself too seriously! Its delightful lack of pretention that will please one and all!
Les Fevettes
| COD: France |
VARIETAL: Cabernet Franc |
| PRODUCER: Chateau du Hureau | VOLUME: 750ml |
Vinified separately since 1989, this cuvée comes from our oldest Cabernet Franc vineyard: planted in 1943, its old vines deserve a certain respect!
Vintage after vintage, these vines continue to give us bottles of great character: it is not surprising that “Les Fevettes” has so many true fans.
The aromatic finesse of the ancient Cabernet Franc, its serious structure and its often proved ability to age. Tasting Les Fevettes 1990 today for example, is still a wonderful experience.
Lisagathe
| COD: France |
VARIETAL: Cabernet Franc |
| PRODUCER: Chateau du Hureau | VOLUME: 750ml |
Located on the hillside, just above the Chateau du Hureau and its cave, the Lisagathe terroir deserves without any doubt the highest rating amongst Saumur-Champignys.
Half a dozen “Coup de Coeur” in the Hachette Wine Guide, top scores in the French and international wine press: this cuvée rewards us amply for all the hard work and care we devote to it each year.
Saumur Blanc - Argile
| COD: France |
VARIETAL: Chenin |
| PRODUCER: Chateau du Hureau | VOLUME: 750ml |
Historically the Chenin was the King of the grape varieties planted on the banks of the Loire, but little by little it has been usurped by the Cabernet Franc, and these days those golden grapes of the past are becoming a rarity in the Saumur Champigny appellation.
Strictly reduced yields, organic farming, harvesting in successive pickings:
Our 4 plots of Chenin are worked with the aim of restricting the yield to 30-40h/h to enable the grapes to ripen naturally to 12.5 – 13.5° so that it is not necessary to add any sugar. Harvesting is done by hand using harvesting baskets ; The grapes are then pressed and fermented in vat with indigenous yeasts. The residual sugar in this dry wine varies with each vintage, ranging from 2-5gl/l. The wine is aged 6-12 months in vat and in barrel.