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by Laurent Turrel, © www.nuncbibendum.com 2008
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 You can admire the magnificent château de Champagny which is located in the heart of the Côte Roannaise on an estate in the small village of Saint-Haon-le-Vieux. It lends its name to an excellent wine-growing estate managed by Frédéric Villeneuve and his father André.
In 1968, when the Côtes-Roannaise vineyard wasn't in very good shape, André Villeneuve decided to take over 2 hectares and to use it for Charolais husbandry as well. It was tough in the beginning, then with each passing year, things slowly started falling into place, customers began arriving and became regular clients, a sign that the wine produced was of high quality. A few years later, in 1997, Frédéric, André's youngest son, decided to form a GAEC (groupement agricole d'exploitation en commun) with his father . But André had one condition : first proper viticulture training, then business training. Thus, Frédéric got a BTS diploma (Brevet de Technicien Supérieur) from the reputable viticulture lycee in Davayé (near Mâcon) and then went to Paris where he studied business. Not surprising then, that the wines of the estate are in great demand in Paris !
Today the estate has a tilled viticulture area of 11.5 hectares and produces 5 different vintages. Bearing in mind the need for authenticity, the estate has been long-time supporter of the Terra Vitis label which certifies a sustainable vine culture; but then, this approach is, no doubt, very appropriate for the estate because, the manure that comes from Charolais breeding is a natural fertilizer for the vines, without the need to add anything else .
The wines from the Château de Champagny estate are tasty, flavoursome, refined and aerated. « The Côte Roannaise wine should be drunk while it is fresh and fruity, trying to age it would, in my opinion, be a mistake » says André Villeneuve. As a matter of fact, the Champagny wines are a regular participant in competitions and have even won the highest honour : the Hachette guide's « coup de coeur » twice in the past five years.
Vintage « Grain de Chardonnay » 2007: this astonishing white Chardonnay is marketed under the appellation « vin de pays d'Urfé ». A hint of flowers combined with a lovely peachy flavour gives the wine a remarkable balance between richness and minerality. A beautiful discovery. (4 euros / bottle).
Vintage « Rosé » 2007: This elegant and delicate rosé has a very beautiful raspberry scent which leaves a lovely fresh aftertaste. A top quality rosé. (4 euros / bottle).
Vintage « Château de Champagny » 2006: A marked hint of red berries (raspberry, redcurrant, strawberry), full-bodied and supple at the same time, clear and sharp at the end, here is the côte roannaise ideal ! (4.00 euros / bottle).
Vintage « Grande réserve » 2005: Its vines are about 50 years old. The scent is a combination of the aroma of ripe red berries ( mashed strawberries, cherry flesh) with a hint of flowers (peony) as well as a small pinch of spices. This wine is full-bodied and contains tannins that are well integrated. A strong charactered wine, that can still age another 2 to 3 years without any problems. (5.00 euros / bottle).
Contact and information:
Castle of Champagny
André and Frédéric Villeneuve
F - 42370 St Haon-le-Vieux
Tél + 33 (0)477 64 42 88
E-mail:
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