For September, we wanted to highlight one specific winery from the Loire Valley.
The story of La Bergerie begins with Marie-Scolastique Bouhiron, who bought Domaine de la Bergerie by candlelight in 1961. Already a winegrower in Champ-sur-Layon and a descendant of a line of winegrowers, it was with her that the building of the family wine heritage began.
Yves Guégniard joined his parents on the farm in 1979. Thanks to the work subsequently carried out with his wife Marie-Annick, the estate took on a new dimension. The great terroirs of Savennières, Coteaux du Layon and Quarts de Chaume have all been added to the Bergerie plot.
In 2010, Anne joined her parents on the farm. After training in catering and as a sommelier, she worked for several years in a variety of establishments in the United States, London, and Switzerland, before she decided to return to Anjou and the family estate. Today, these experiences provide her with an essential insight into the development of her vintages.
After a career in psychology, Marie, the youngest in the family, took a professional turn. She earned a BS in winemaking in Montpellier and trained for three years at Domaine Roc d’Anglade. In 2018, she reunited with her sister, Anne. Together, they took over the reins of the vineyard. Both represent the eighth generation of winegrowers in the family, and the fourth to work the Bergerie land.
In 2024, it’s Amaury’s turn to join the operation. Originally from Champagne, he is also Marie’s husband, and it’s with precision that he brings his viticultural experience to the Bergerie vineyards. Today, with Anne, Marie and Amaury, the family tradition continues, almost 60 years after the arrival of Marie-Scolastique, the great-grandmother of the two sisters.
Cheers,
The PlumpJack Wine Team
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2024 Anjou Blanc Sous La Tonnelle |
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Region / Country of Origin: Anjou, France |
About the winery: The estate is in the heart of Côteaux du Layon, in the Anjou region of the central Loire Valley. It has always adhered to a high standard of excellence, including green harvesting, strict sorting, and separate vinification of each parcel. Encompassing a total of 89 acres, the vineyards are spread throughout multiple appellations, including Anjou (blanc and rouge), Savennières, Côteaux du Layon, and Quarts de Chaume. In addition to Anne's work as the fourth generation of winemakers just beginning at Domaine de la Bergerie, the entire operation is a family affair: following stints with Alain Ducasse and Joël Robuchon, Anne's husband, David, has opened a beautiful and renowned one-Michelin-star restaurant on the property. His local cuisine is a lovely complement to the outstanding sparkling and still wines made here. The succession of the next generation brings exciting new energy to this property — and fascinating wines. Terroir: Locations: “La Bergerie” – Champ-sur-Layon & “la Girardière” – Rablay-sur-Layon The only one of our white wines made from a blend of plots. Soil: Clay – Schist & Gravel About the winemaking: Slow pressing and light settling. Only one fermentation (using indigenous yeasts) and aging take place in vats for 6 months. Bottling takes place in the spring, following the harvest. Tasting Notes: The “Sous la tonnelle” cuvée has all the freshness and liveliness of the grapes just pressed during the harvest. Carried by notes of yellow fruit, it is light and straightforward. When it comes to tasting, there’s always a good reason to open a bottle of “Sous la tonnelle”! A simple aperitif, or to accompany fresh goat’s cheese with a few candied lemon peels, for example. |
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Winemaker: Yves, Anne, and Marie Guégniard |
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Price: $27.99 |
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Varietal: Chenin Blanc |
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Suggested Food Pairing: Soft Creamy Cheeses, Quick-Seared Scallops, Sautéed Shrimp, Braised Cabbage Dishes |
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