Domaine Villargeau, located in the Coteaux du Giennois, is a notable wine producer in the Centre Loire region of France. The domaine, guided by Marc Thibault who has been at the helm since 2000, sits in an appellation adjacent to Pouilly-Fumé with only about 200 hectares of vines cultivated by 40 growers.
The family history of Villargeau began in 1920 when Marc’s grandfather acquired the farm from Château de Tracy. Initially focused on livestock and cereal production, the venture transitioned towards viticulture when Marc’s father and uncle planted vineyards on hillsides that were previously abandoned due to phylloxera.
Marc joined the family business in 2002, and under his lead, the vineyard has grown to cover 23 hectares, predominantly planted with Sauvignon Blanc, along with areas of Pinot Noir and Gamay. The region’s topography features small hills ideal for vine cultivation, characterized by a variety of soil types including Kimmeridgean marl, limestone, and clay, with some plots also featuring flinty topsoil.
Villargeau has adopted organic farming practices, managing the challenges associated with this approach, particularly in maintaining vine health against diseases like ESCA, which commonly affect Sauvignon Blanc.
The first site visited was Les Points, known for its unique double flint composition—red and yellow silex—which contributes to the character of their wines. The vinification process for their Sauvignon Blanc involves pressing, settling of the juice, and fermentation in stainless steel, with wines aged on lees until bottling with minimal sulfites added as necessary.
Among the highlighted wines were:
- Les 2 Silex 2022: Fresh and precise with a salty edge (92/100).
- Les Abeilles 2022: Aromatic with pear, citrus, and a delightful texture (93/100).
- Sans Complexe 2022: Linear and refined with crisp fruit notes (92/100).
- La Belle Parasseuse 2019: A complex blend showcasing expressive fruit and spices (94/100).
- Coteaux du Giennois Rouge 2020: A blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay, vibrant with red berry notes and spices (90/100).
The second stop included plots like Les Abeilles and Roziers, while Les Clous was featured for its ability to retain acidity with its two meters of sub-surface marne. Each wine is crafted with an emphasis on purity and distinctive minerality, revealing the terroir’s influence. Overall, Marc Thibault’s dedication to the land and sustainable practices is reflected in the exceptional quality of Domaine Villargeau’s wines.
For more information, visit Domaine Villargeau.