The
Guégniard family have been vignerons
for the past seven generations, buying Domaine de la Bergerie in 1961. The
property passed to Marie-Agnès in 1964 before Yves himself joined his
parents in 1979. Since then, he and his wife, Marie-Annick, have gradually
built up the domaine to 36 hectares encompassing six appellations. They
have two different vineyard holdings within Savennières: the first, a one
hectare site was purchased and planted in La Croix Picot in 2000, and a
second 1.6 hectare parcel near the Moulin de Beaupréau is rented from
Baron Brincard. Yves purchased the twenty year old vines, originally
planted by Pierre Soulez, in 2004.
Wine
Overview:
Both
of Yves Guégniard’s Savennières are vinified and marketed as different
wines, if only for commercial reasons. Le Croix Picot is fermented and
aged in tank for 18 months. Generally, the wine doesn’t undergo
malolactic fermentation, but there are no set rules here. The Clos Le
Grand Beaupréau, however, is fermented and aged in 225 litre barriques or
400 litre demi-muids, the wine
spending 12 months in each through rotation. The first vintage, using new
barrels, was in 2004, although only older wood has been used since.
Malolactic fermentation is more likely here, although again it is not
systematic. The aim at harvest is to pick just before the onset of
botrytis in order to have the ripest, but healthiest grapes possible.
The
Wines:
I’d
rate Yves Guégniard amongst the best of the new generation of growers
making wine in the appellation. The wines are modern, but have poise and
demonstrate a sense of place. They also represent great value.
2008
‘Clos de Grand Beaupréau’
Authentic and delicate nose. Attractive and complex. Very focused
despite being so delicate in style. Builds well on the palate, leading to
an intense finish. Understated. Very good now and could be expected to
hold and evolve further. (02/11)
2007
‘Clos de Grand Beaupréau’
Pale appearance. Light, delicate and restrained nose. Some apples
and quince behind. Gentle, with an attractive mineral edge. The palate is
open and soft and marked by some flattering residual sugar. Structurally,
quite simple on entry, but builds well to a mid-full finish with a good
thread of acidity running through the wine. The acidity carries the finish
a little. Drinking now, but could age further. Good. (02/10)
2006
‘La Croix Picot’
Deep
appearance. Yellow/gold. Ripe and fat on the nose showing richness,
otherwise this is quite closed. Very fresh on entry. Good intensity.
Mineral and stony with great focus and acidity. The palate is more open
than the nose suggests. Very good weight and length. Lemon-like acidity.
Approachable, but would benefit with more time in bottle. Very promising.
(02/08)
2006
‘Clos de Grand Beaupréau’
Tasted
from barrel. Deep appearance. Yellow/straw. Complex nose. Floral with some
secondary components. Exotic with a hint of pineapple coupled with
terpines. The wood shows on the palate and is a little planky, but
otherwise the wine is taut and mineral with a tight profile, fleshed out
by the oak. Quite ripe with some phenolic grip. Very good potential, but
will need time to settle in bottle. (02/08)
2005
‘La Croix Picot’
Polished.
Pale green. Very clean, attractive and open nose, with faint honey,
although it shows a greater spectrum of flavours. Good Chenin fruit and
complex for such a young wine. Quite lean on entry; taut and mineral. Very
good palate weight and freshness. There is a hint of the inherent Chenin
bitterness on the finish. Good structure and great length. Approachable
now, but will evolve further. Very good. (02/08)
2005
‘Clos de Grand Beaupréau’
Yves
& Marie-Anne Guegniard
T:
+33 2 41 78 85 43
F:
+33 2 41 78 60 13
domaine.la.bergerie@wanadoo.fr