Chateau de Bois-Brinçon, “Garance”, Pineau d’Aunis 2022
100% Pineau d’Aunis. An old Loire grape variety that Xavier and Géraldine have managed to preserve with this vintage from 80-year-old vines. A short maceration of 8 days to extract a delicate juice, with fine tannins and the spicy and peppery aroma specific to this magnificent grape variety.
$360
The vintage
Winery
Château de Bois-BrinçonAppellation & Region
Anjou, Loire ValleyBlend
100% Pineau d’AunisSoil
Spongy sandstone on tufachalkAlcohol Content
12%Average age of vines
90 yearsVineyards & Vinification
“Garance” — Comes from a plot of sandstone with sponges on tuffeau chalk of 40 ares. This vintage made from Pineau d’Aunis, is 80 years old. The harvest is manual and carried out in 10 kg crates.
Vinification: The bunches are destemmed. An 8-day maceration. The grapes are then devatted in crates and then returned directly to the press. The wine is then aged in vats for the next 10 months.
The Winery
Situated in the heart of Anjou, Château de Bois-Brinçon is one of the region’s oldest vineyards. Founded in 1219 by the Saint Jean d’Angers hospital, it later came under the ownership of the Cailleau family in 1891 when Léon Cailleau purchased it. Today, the estate is stewarded by Xavier, a descendant of Léon, along with his wife Géraldine and their son Léandre — the sixth generation of the Cailleau family. Together, they farm their 24 hectares biodynamically, driven by a deep commitment to perpetuate tradition and reveal “the true face of the soil.”The Bois-Brinçon vineyards boast a rare diversity of soils and landscapes across six communes and eight distinct terroirs. What truly sets the estate apart is its “historical presence” of Chenin, Pineau d’Aunis, Grolleau, and Cabernet Franc, with vines averaging 50 years in age and some reaching up to 125 years.
With a dedication to capturing the unique character of each plot, Xavier meticulously practices plot-by-plot vinification. The resulting wines reflect this rich diversity, showcasing a unique character that is both graceful and complex.
