Laurent Turrel, animateur de « Nunc est Bibendum » nous emmène pour un circuit de trois jours en Loire pour découvrir quelques curiosités œnologiques, les vignobles vertigineux de Condrieu, Château-Grillet et de la Côte-Rôtie. Une halte est prévue également pour découvrir la source Badoît et la jolie station thermale de Saint-Gamier.

Un programme à découvrir en cliquant ici

-  In Ambierle, make a reservation quickly at the Le Prieuré restaurant: a cuisine full of flavours offered by the talented chef Thierry Fernandes (menus from 37 to 63 euros). 

- Simpler and very authentic: rush to the rustic auberge of St Rirand (+ 33 (0)4 77 65 76 46), the program : local cooked meats, frog legs and the best grattin dauphinois in the county ! The menu, less than 20 euros  : + 33(0)4 77 65 76 46.

by Laurent Turrel, © www.nuncbibendum.com 2008
Accomodation by Gîtes de France Loire http://gites-de-france-loire.com

by Laurent Turrel, ©  www.nuncbibendum.com 2008 
To access directly to the « On the wine route,» articles, click here       

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).