Winemaker Wednesday: Domaine du Margalleau
Combining the tradition started by their grandfather and the advancements of new techniques, brothers Bruno and Jean-Michel Pieaux oversee Domaine du Margalleau in Vouvray. Today, we speak with Jean-Michel about the history of their property and learn that they couldn’t possibly pick just one favorite vintage.
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):
Our operation has been existence since 1938. At that time, Georges Pieaux invested in his first parcels of vines in Vouvray AOC. Gérard and Lucien, his two sons, took over in 1955.
In 1995, Bruno and I, Georges’s two grandsons, created Domaine du Margalleau, bringing together the holdings of our father and uncle. The family domain today stretches over 26 hectares. Always seeking to improve the quality of our wines, Bruno and I wanted to combine the advantages of tradition with new techniques. The wines of Domaine du Margalleau are vinified and stored in our caves dug into the tuffeau, or limestone, where they ‘ripen’ for several years before sale.
What is your favorite vintage and cuvee from your own property and why?
We don’t have a favorite vintage because each vintage has different interesting characteristics due to the balance amongst the body, richness, liveliness, freshness, minerality, etc.
When you are not drinking your own wines, what are you drinking? What other wines, beers, etc. do you enjoy?
I love to discover wines of other French regions, in particular the wines of the south (Côtes de Provence rosés and reds).
What is your favorite food and what wine would you pair it with?
The specialties of the Touraine (rillons and rillettes, black pudding, asparagus, goat cheese), accompanied by a dry or off-dry Vouvray.
Editor’s Note: Wines from Domaine du Margalleau are available to order at the following stores:
Apex Beverage Company
If the above stores are unable to ship to your state, we suggest using wine-searcher.com to locate a store near you that carries the wine.
1 Comment
I import and distribute this wine on the island of Malta so I know well enough what it’s made of……simply fantastic…by far my favourite white wine!