Antoine Sanzay

History of Domaine Antoine Sanzay

Domaine Antoine Sanzay has its roots in a long family wine-growing tradition. For six generations, the Sanzay family has cultivated vines in Varrains, a village in the heart of the Saumur-Champigny appellation. For decades, the grapes were sold to the local cooperative, a common practice in the region. But in 1999, Antoine Sanzay decided to take a new direction. Having taken over the estate at the age of 25, he began by delivering his grapes to the cooperative for three years, before starting to make his own wines in 2002.

This decision marked a turning point for the estate. Antoine Sanzay gradually freed himself from his contracts with the cooperative and took full control of his own production in 2014. Today, the estate covers 11.4 hectares, including 10.3 hectares of Saumur-Champigny and 1.1 hectares of Saumur. Of these parcels, 4 hectares are located on the famous Les Poyeux cru, a sandy, chalky terroir renowned for producing exceptional wines.

Antoine Sanzay is also a fervent advocate of organic farming. Certified organic since 2014, he works his vines with the greatest respect for the environment, limiting intervention and favouring natural practices. His commitment to sustainable, high-quality viticulture has earned him international recognition, making him one of the most respected winegrowers in the Loire.

Terroirs and vines of Domaine Antoine Sanzay

Domaine Antoine Sanzay benefits from exceptional terroirs, typical of the Saumur-Champigny region. The soils, mainly clay-limestone, are rich in tuffeau chalk, a limestone rock that gives the wines their characteristic minerality and freshness. This geology, similar to that of Champagne and Burgundy, allows a unique expression of Cabernet Franc and Chenin.

The estate boasts a number of emblematic parcels, including the 4-hectare Les Poyeux cru. This terroir, next to the vines of the famous Clos Rougeard, is renowned for producing wines of great complexity and long ageing potential. The sandy, well-drained soils of Les Poyeux allow the grapes to ripen to perfection, while preserving their natural acidity.

Antoine Sanzay also cultivates plots on siliceous-limestone terroirs, ideal for Chenin Blanc. These soils, which are less chalky than those of Les Poyeux, add a touch of roundness and richness to the estate's white wines.

In addition to his meticulous work in the vineyard, Antoine Sanzay attaches great importance to biodiversity and soil health. He practises natural grassing between the rows of vines and uses biodynamic preparations to boost the vitality of the plants. These practices, combined with controlled yields, produce healthy, expressive grapes that faithfully reflect their terroir.

Vinification at Domaine Antoine Sanzay

Antoine Sanzay's winemaking philosophy is based on respect for the fruit and the terroir. In his winery, he favours traditional, low-intervention methods to preserve the purity and freshness of the grapes.

The grapes are harvested by hand and rigorously sorted. For the red wines, Antoine Sanzay uses long maceration and spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts. He partially destems the grapes, while leaving certain cuvées to ferment whole bunches to add complexity. The wine is matured in concrete vats, oak barrels or concrete eggs, depending on the cuvée. These carefully chosen containers allow subtle oxygenation and harmonious integration of the tannins.

For the white wines, Antoine Sanzay favours gentle pressing and fermentation in barrels or vats. The wines are then matured on their lees, giving them a smooth texture and a long finish.

The use of sulphur is minimal, and no oenological inputs are added. This natural approach allows the wines to express their full authenticity and personality.

The Domaine Antoine Sanzay wines

The Domaine Antoine Sanzay offers a range of cuvées that reflect the diversity of its terroirs and the expertise of its winemaker.

Saumur-Champigny "Domaine

This entry-level cuvée is an excellent reflection of Antoine Sanzay's expertise. Made from clay-limestone plots, this red wine combines freshness and fruitiness, with aromas of raspberry and violet. Ideal for everyday drinking.

Saumur-Champigny "Terres Rouges

More complex and structured, this wine comes from parcels with iron-rich soils. It develops spicy and floral notes, with a fine concentration on the palate.

Saumur-Champigny "Les Poyeux

The estate's flagship cuvée, from the famous Les Poyeux cru. This intense, elegant wine is matured in oak barrels, giving it a velvety texture and aromas of black fruit, liquorice and undergrowth. An exceptional wine for laying down.

Saumur Blanc "La Paterne

This white wine, made from Chenin grapes grown on siliceous limestone soils, has great freshness and minerality. Aromas of pear, honey and white flowers mingle with lively, well-balanced acidity.

Saumur Blanc "Les Pouches

A rarer cuvée, produced from a specific parcel. This Chenin is aged in barrels, giving it a rich texture and aromas of ripe fruit and mild spices.

If you like Saumur Champigny, why not discover some of the other wine nuggets of the Loire! Emblematic estates such as Antoine Sanzay, Clos Rougeard and Domaine des Closiers reveal all the elegance of this appellation. But the Loire doesn't stop there: explore the terroirs of Anjou and Savennières with exceptional winemakers such as Clau de Nell, Domaine aux Moines, Domaine du 7, Eric Morgat, Ferme de la Sansonnière, Juchepie, Nicolas Joly, Pierre Bise, Yannick Amirault, Richard Leroy, and Stéphane Bernaudeau. Wines with character, finesse and depth that deserve your full attention!

Domaine Antoine Sanzay embodies the excellence of Saumur-Champigny. Thanks to meticulous work in the vineyard and cellar, Antoine Sanzay produces wines of rare finesse and authenticity. His cuvées, from exceptional terroirs such as Les Poyeux, seduce with their balance, complexity and pure expression of Cabernet Franc and Chenin.