Domaine Pré Baron > Loire

Domaine Pré Baron > Loire > France

Guy and Jean-Luc Mardon have 35 ha of vineyards in Oisly. Located on the eastern plateau of the Touraine between the Loire and Cher rivers, it is in the heart of the famous Chateaux of the Loire. Father Guy ran the domaine from 1970 until 1995 when son Jean-Luc, the fifth generation, took over. Guy continues to work in the vineyards. Jean-Luc upgraded the estate to modern temperature controlled vinification and reduced yields. Different parcels are vinified separately before being blended to obtain consistency from tank to tank.

Climate: The Atlantic gives the most influence in Oisly, bringing very cool nights to help maintain the acidity and aromatics of the grapes. The zone gets less rainfall and more sun than most of the Loire Valley, allowing consistent ripening of the fruit, which is important for the Malbecs and Cabernets especially.

Soil: The main vineyards, planted with Sauvignon, Gamay and Pinot Noir, are composed of sandy and sandy-gravel soils on a base of clay from the Miocene epoch. This results in wines that are particularly aromatic. Sand and limestone comprise the minority of the estate where Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are planted, once again, emphasizing the aromatics and finesse of the grapes. A small amount of Pineau d'Aunis is planted and made into a Rosé.

Farming practices: Sustainable, certified Terra Vitis.

Domaine Pré Baron Website

Touraine Pineau d'Aunis - Rosé

Also called "Chenin Noir", Pineau d'Aunis is a grape indigenous to the Loire valley. One parcel of 80 year old vines, two other parcels with vines from 40 to 45 year old. 12.5% Alcohol.

Touraine Sauvignon blanc

From 27 year old vines. The Mardon Pre Baron Sauvignon is one of the most consistent Loire Sauvignons, always displaying an intense citrus herbaceousness. The vines are pruned short to restrict yields. Grapes are picked at full maturity. The wine is very aromatic with the intense and classic herbaceous grassy scents of Sauvignon mixed with aromas of lemon and grapefruit. Flavors follow the nose, with bright racy acids on a juicy, Sauvignon palate.

Touraine Côt (Malbec)

Côt is the local name for Malbec. Vines are pruned short with a vendange vert after véraison. Most of the grapes are fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks. A few barriques (less than 5% of the total) are blended in. The resulting wine is very deep purple in color with aromas of dark black cherry. Flavors are deep and lush with crisp yet distinct tannins.