Winemaker Wednesday: Château de Vaugaudry
On this Winemaker Wednesday we hear from Chateau de Vaugaudry at their picturesque property in Chinon.
Tell us about your property (how long it has been in your family, how long you have been making wine there, the size, any growing philosophy you might have):
Vaugaudry dates back centuries and was mentioned by François Rabelais (c.1494-1553): “Gargantua chased them almost as far as Vaugaudry.”
The property has had several owners over the years. In the late 1800s, it was bought and rebuilt by French senator Achille Joubert. Joubert chose to relocate it some 100 yards west of its initial location in order to have a better view of Chinon Castle. He also built the wall surrounding the property, enclosing 58 hectares of vines. The vineyard was considerably reduced during the two world wars and when the property was acquired by Dr Bonnet, the grandfather of present owner Antoine Belloy, in 1949, the estate was mainly orchards. These were then cleared for vines in the ‘80s. The estate now boasts around 12 hectares of Cabernet Franc plantings and produces both red and rosé wine.
The cellar was modernized and fully equipped in 1989 in a chai which was built at the beginning of the century, as shown on a mosaic illustrating its walls and mentioning the date of 1903.
The grapes are harvested by hand or mechanically, depending on the parcels. They are then entirely destalked, and sent to the tanks by conveyor belt. The vinification combines the experience of tradition (pigeage) with modern techniques (regular analysis of the must); our major philosophy being to preserve the specific character (power or finesse) of each vintage. We pay close attention to controlling temperature, which is essential for a good extraction of colors, tannins and aromas.
The fermentation and the maceration can last from 8 to 21 days depending on the blends and harvest. After the wine has been removed from the vat, it can selectively be aged in barriques. The wine is then bottled and kept in stone cellars.
What is your favorite vintage and cuvee from your own property and why?
Château de Vaugaudry 2010 – Chinon Rosé
This softly-textured Cabernet Franc offers terrific pleasure and versatility over the next 9-12 months. Perfect for the summer.
When you are not drinking your own wines, what are you drinking? What other wines, beers, etc. do you enjoy?
Domaine de Vénus appellation Cotes du Roussillon village 2005
What is your favorite food and what wine would you pair it with?
Wild game meat with Clos du Plessis Gerbault 2008, a wine from our older vines and which fits perfectly this type of meat.