Portraits of winemakers

THE DOMAINE DE L'ENCHANTOIR GETS A MAKEOVER

Domaine de l’Enchantoir: Fabienne and Jean-Michel's Dream Vineyard

A Dream Realized in the Loire Valley

Before acquiring their vineyard, Fabienne and Jean-Michel had no idea of the mountain of administrative tasks that awaited them. However, for these Parisians, the effort is well worth it. The couple had dreamed of taking over a vineyard in the Loire Valley for over a decade.

For Fabienne, who spent her childhood in the Val de Loire, it was unthinkable to look for a vineyard elsewhere. She cherishes this wine region known for producing "exceptional wines with unbeatable quality-price ratios." "I used to go wine hunting with my grandfather in Touraine when I was little, and continued with my father. They weren’t in the business, but they were knowledgeable wine enthusiasts who passed their passion on to me. This passion was nurtured with my husband, with whom I often travel along the wine routes," says the winemaker.

"Becoming a Winemaker Doesn’t Happen Overnight!"

In late 2015, Fabienne and her husband visited Domaine de l’Enchantoir, a vineyard located in the heart of the Saumur terroir in the commune of Le Puy-Notre-Dame. Enchanted by the property, the couple finally realized their dream and purchased the estate last August. "We are new to this world, but the passion is there. We discover new things every day, which is truly exhilarating," Fabienne rejoices.

Upon taking possession of the property, Fabienne and Jean-Michel decided to continue working with the existing consulting oenologist, sought advice from a wine expert, and assembled a team of employees. "Having experts on site helps us immensely, as becoming a winemaker overnight is not realistic, even though our first harvest taught us a lot," confides Fabienne.

Initially, the couple focuses mainly on the administration and marketing of the cuvées. Their daughter Amandine, who joined them a few months ago, also helps manage the estate daily, particularly in communication.

A Vineyard Cultivated with Organic Practices

Soil and vine work is crucial at Domaine de l’Enchantoir, where the 16-hectare vineyard is entirely cultivated organically. Jean-Michel and Fabienne did not hesitate to invest in both the vines and new equipment upon their arrival and are preparing to undertake extensive renovations of the cellars.

Regarding wine production, the winemakers continue in the tradition of their predecessors while making some changes. "We aim to refine our red wine range to fully exploit the exceptional Saumur terroir," Fabienne explains. The couple is also working on developing a 100% Chardonnay white wine and a sweet wine in the AOC Coteaux de Saumur, set to debut next winter.

Despite still working in Paris, Fabienne and Jean-Michel visit their estate whenever they have free time. This remote management (temporary as Jean-Michel is preparing for retirement) does not prevent them from developing oenotourism at the vineyard. In less than a year, the tasting room at Domaine de l’Enchantoir has hosted numerous events: dinner shows, concerts, tasting workshops… "And this is just the beginning!" say the winemakers.