Perrault Jadaud

History of Domaine Perrault-Jadaud

The adventure of Domaine Perrault-Jadaud begins in 2009 with a defining encounter at the viticultural college of Amboise. On one side, Anne-Cécile Jadaud, a trained oenologist from Touraine, returning to her roots after ten years of experience in the south of France as a cellar manager and consulting oenologist. She then decides to teach oenology in Amboise. On the other, Tanguy Perrault, a philosophy student originally from Brittany, who had switched to winemaking a decade earlier and had since become a viticulture trainer. Their complementary profiles — him in the vineyard, her in the cellar — and their mutual respect give rise to a shared estate project.

The couple settles in Chançay, in the north-east of the Vouvray appellation, in a small and still unspoilt valley. Their establishment unfolds over nearly ten years, as they progressively take over and purchase plots. Starting from a micro-estate of 2 hectares (of which 1.6 hectares in AOC Vouvray) in 2010–2012, they have today reached approximately 8 hectares farmed organically across 15 small plots. Since 2018, Anne-Cécile Jadaud has also offered a range of négociant wines under her own name, produced from Côt, Gamay and Pineau d'Aunis grapes purchased from partner growers. The estate has quickly established itself as one of the essential references of Vouvray, acclaimed by enthusiasts and critics alike (Wine Doctor, La Passion du Vin, La Revue du Vin de France) for its generous natural sparkling wines and its crystalline dry Vouvray wines.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine Perrault-Jadaud

The vineyard of Domaine Perrault-Jadaud today extends over 8 hectares spread across 15 small plots, located primarily in the commune of Chançay and its surroundings (Vernou-sur-Brenne, Reugny). The geology is typical of Vouvray: the plots rest predominantly on the geological layers of the Upper Eocene, where tuffeau (chalk or Turonian limestone) reigns supreme. These chalky soils are complemented by clay-with-flint, the result of chalk weathering over several million years. This geological diversity allows the Perrault-Jadaud couple to produce several cuvées, each highly distinctive, faithfully reflecting the nuances of each terroir.

The grape variety composition is dominated 98% by Chenin Blanc, the emblematic variety of Vouvray, complemented by just 2% Chardonnay. The iconic plots bear evocative names: Jean Jouffroy (in close proximity to the famous Clos du Bourg), Le Marigny, Les Bidaudières (on terraces), Les Ruettes. The estate has been farmed organically since 2010, with extremely careful viticulture. Yields are deliberately controlled (averaging 30 hl/ha), well below the appellation's authorised limits, to guarantee concentrated grapes and a precise expression of the terroirs. The harvest is strictly manual, with successive sorting passes if the vintage demands it, at the pace of ripening plot by plot.

Vinifications of Domaine Perrault-Jadaud

In the cellar, it is Anne-Cécile Jadaud who takes the reins, drawing on her experience as a seasoned oenologist. The vinifications are as non-interventionist as possible, with the utmost respect for the grape and the terroir. Fermentations are conducted solely with indigenous yeasts, without any selected yeasts, and are deliberately allowed to run long, enabling a slow and precise extraction of the aromas of the Chenin Blanc. Sulphur additions are kept deliberately low, in a spirit of transparency towards both the grape and the drinker.

For still wines (dry, demi-sec, moelleux and liquoreux), fermentations and ageing take place in old Bordeaux and Burgundian barrels, never new, so as not to mask the mineral signature of Vouvray Chenin. For the natural sparkling wines, the couple adopts exclusively the ancestral method, with a single fermentation in the bottle from the residual sugars of the grape, without any added sugar, selected yeasts or dosage. This philosophy produces fine bubbles and wines that are taut, fresh, with a unique and personal signature. The result is a coherent and precise range that places the estate among the finest contemporary signatures of Vouvray, at still reasonable prices.

The Cuvées of Domaine Perrault-Jadaud

Haut Les Chœurs (Haut les Cœurs): the estate's signature natural sparkling wine and most emblematic cuvée, in AOC Vouvray. 100% Chenin, produced using the ancestral method (Pétillant Originel), with a single fermentation in the bottle from the grape's own sugars, without any added sugar or yeasts. Brilliant golden colour, nose full of ripe fruits (pear, quince, yellow fruits), with elegant light oxidative notes and brioche. Lively and taut palate, mineral, with a fine and utterly non-aggressive bubble, and a generous and lingering finish. An exceptional sparkling wine that outshines many Champagne at higher price points.

Les Grives Soûles: a dry Vouvray cuvée, produced from Chenin Blanc sourced from several of the estate's plots. Vinification in old barrels, long fermentations. Straw-coloured robe, expressive nose of well-ripened apple, pear and frangipane, pure and precise palate, ample, with a high acidity and lovely bitter notes, a salivating and tight finish leaving delightful fruity flavours. A fine Vouvray, aromatic, with a lovely tension that lends it freshness and vivacity.

Vouvray Demi-Sec: a demi-sec Vouvray cuvée, crafted according to the opportunities offered by the vintage. Pale golden colour, expressive nose of ripe yellow fruits, honey and white flowers, silky and ample palate, balanced by the characteristic acidity of Vouvray Chenin. A classic expression of the great Loire demi-sec, gastronomic and refined.

Vouvray Moelleux: a rare moelleux cuvée, produced only in favourable vintages that allow for over-ripening and the development of noble rot. Harvest by successive sorting passes, long vinification in barrels. Brilliant golden colour, complex nose of candied apricot, honey, citrus peel and dried flowers, silky and suave palate, balanced by a high acidity, elegant finish. A moelleux of great purity, ideal with foie gras or fruit-based desserts.

Cuvée Jean Jouffroy: a single-plot cuvée from the eponymous lieu-dit, situated in immediate proximity to the famous Clos du Bourg. Careful vinification in old barrels, which reveals the pure and mineral signature of this exceptional plot. A confidential cuvée, sought after by enthusiasts.

Vouvray Liquoreux: an exceptional cuvée produced only in the very greatest vintages, from over-ripened Chenin Blanc grapes affected by noble rot. Dazzling golden colour, complex and beguiling nose, sumptuous and lingering palate with outstanding ageing potential. An anthological liquoreux, faithful to the great tradition of Vouvray liquoreux wines.

Vin de France Chardonnay: an original Vin de France cuvée produced from the estate's 2% Chardonnay. Vinified in old barrels, in the same minimalist spirit as the Vouvray wines. Pale colour, subtle nose of white fruits and flowers, taut and precise palate with the typical mineral structure of tuffeau soils. A rarity to discover.

Cuvées de Négoce Anne-Cécile Jadaud: since 2018, Anne-Cécile Jadaud has offered under her own name a range of négociant wines — reds and rosés — produced from Côt, Gamay, Pineau d'Aunis and other Touraine grape varieties purchased from partner growers. Vinified in the same natural spirit as the estate wines, these cuvées broaden the offering into pleasurable red and rosé styles, bearing the precise and distinctive signature of the Perrault-Jadaud couple.