Description
Domaine Chéreau Carré sits in the heart of the Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine appellation, directly at the confluence of the two rivers. This family-owned property dates back to the 15th century, and the vines here are some of the most prized in the region of the Sèvre-et-Maine. Today the domaine is managed by Bernard Chéreau and his daughter, Louise Chéreau, whose family lineage in winemaking dates back to the eleventh century. Bernard operates three separate estates under the umbrella of Chéreau-Carré: Château de La Chesnaie, whose wines originate from a 25-year-old parcel in the heart of Sèvre-et-Maine; Comte Leloup de Chasseloir, a selection of pre-phylloxera vineyards dating back to the turn of the last century; and Le Clos, a small single vineyard of 100-year-old Muscadet vines that are grown on schist soils. Bernard is equally passionate about the location of his vines as he is with the handling and vinification of each individual parcel within each vineyard, using only indigenous yeast and extended lees contacts.
Château de l’Oiselinière is a 10-hectare vineyard that has belonged to the family since 1960; and from which they produce two wines: Le Clos du Château l’Oiselinière, from two hectares of 80-year-old vines at the top of the dome and Château l’Oiselinière de la Ramée from eight hectares of 40-year-old vines—that we are excited to share with you as part of our wine club. 100% Melon de Bourgogne, picked by hand; after fermentation with selected indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, the wine is aged for six months sur lie in underground concrete vats with regular bâtonnage, followed by an additional 12 months aging, in bottle, before release. Inviting aromas of citrus and white flowers. The palate is crisp and electric—though nicely textured, with flavors of tart Granny Smith apple, lemon, and honeydew melon; complemented by a delightful, minerality and an overarching, refreshing acid backbone.
