Val du Loir

Producer Profiles – Coteaux du Vendômois

Domaine de la Fontaine

Brothers Stéphane and Luc Guellier are third generation cereal farmers in their late thirties who have been growing grapes and making wines since 1990. They work out of the pretty village of Mazangé on the Loir’s north bank, set in its own small valley against the plain of the Beauce. Behind the house look like what used to be old terraces sat against the hillside, but in reality all the vineyards here are above the village on the wind swept plateau.

Wine Overview :
The brothers farm 6.5 hectares of vines, half of which are rented from old retired growers, within the commune of Mazangé and neighbouring Le Gué-du-Loir. As is usual, their rented Pineau d’Aunis vines are at least a century old. Half of the production is dedicated to producing Vin de Pays, with a focus on Sauvignon (0.80ha) and Chardonnay (0.50ha) with just 30% of their production is committed to bottle, the rest is sold en vrac and bag-in-box. Fermentation takes place in fibre glass and cement tanks, with a single red bottling seeing a nominal time in wood. 

The Wines :
The main focus of the brother’s is on their cereal production, however the wines clearly have an important local following as only the current vintages are available. These are technically correct wines, but devoid of any real character or sense of place.

2007 Coteaux du Vendômois Gris
Pale salmon pink appearance. Light and easy on both nose and palate. There is a degree of ripeness and the impression of some residual sugar. Well balanced and peppery to finish. Decent. (12/08)

2006 Coteaux du Vendômois Rouge
A three way split between Cabernet Franc, Pineau d’Aunis and Pinot Noir. Light, stalky and unripe on the nose. Some pepper on the palate. Light, fresh and juicy with decent length. Drinking now, but undistinguished. (12/08)

Domaine de la Fontaine
Stéphane, Luc and Catherine Guellier
7 Rue de la Fontaine
Mazangé
T: + 33 2 54 72 00 57
F: + 33 2 54 72 19 90
P: + 33 6 08 62 13 50
geacfontaine@wanadoo.fr

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