Antoine Sanzay

An unmissable reference in Saumur-Champigny  

Wines from Domaine Antoine Sanzay: buy at the best price

Domaine Antoine Sanzay, located in Varrains in the Maine-et-Loire, is one of the jewels of the Saumur-Champigny appellation. Since taking over in 1999, Antoine Sanzay, seventh generation of winemakers, has transformed this family estate into a major reference in the Loire. With a philosophy centred on respect for the terroir and organic viticulture, Antoine produces wines of rare finesse and elegance. His cuvées, sourced from emblematic plots such as Les Poyeux, reflect the purity of Cabernet Franc and Chenin, and appeal to lovers of artisanal and authentic wines. 

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Antoine Sanzay Saumur Les Essarts 2021
Bio
2 in stock
127885
White
75cl
92/100
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Loire | Saumur

Antoine Sanzay Saumur Les Essarts 2021

€36.00 inc-VAT per bottle
€30.00 ex-VAT
The TOP winemakers of Loire

History of Domaine Antoine Sanzay  

Domaine Antoine Sanzay is deeply rooted in a long family winemaking tradition. For six generations, the Sanzay family has cultivated vines in Varrains, a village at 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. After taking over the estate at the age of 25, he began by delivering his grapes to the cooperative for three years, before embarking on the vinification of his own wines in 2002.  

This decision marks a turning point for the estate. Antoine Sanzay gradually frees himself from contracts with the cooperative and takes full control of his production in 2014. Today, the estate covers 11.4 hectares, including 10.3 hectares in Saumur-Champigny and 1.1 hectares in Saumur. Among these plots, 4 hectares are located on the famous Les Poyeux terroir, a sandy and calcareous site renowned for producing exceptional wines.  

Antoine Sanzay is also a fervent advocate of organic farming. Certified organic since 2014, he tends his vines with the utmost respect for the environment, limiting interventions and favoring natural practices. His commitment to sustainable and quality-driven viticulture has earned him international recognition, making him one of the most respected winemakers 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, predominantly clay-limestone, are rich in tuffeau chalk, a calcareous rock that gives the wines a characteristic minerality and freshness. This geology, similar to that of Champagne and Burgundy, allows for a unique expression of cabernet franc and chenin.  

The estate includes several emblematic plots, including the 4 hectares located on the Les Poyeux terroir. This terroir, neighboring the vines of the famous Clos Rougeard, is renowned for producing wines of great complexity and long aging potential. The sandy and well-drained soils of Les Poyeux allow for optimal ripening of the grapes, while preserving their natural acidity.  

Antoine Sanzay also cultivates plots on siliceous-limestone soils, ideal for chenin blanc. These soils, less calcareous than those of Les Poyeux, bring 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 practices natural cover cropping between the vine rows and uses biodynamic preparations to strengthen the vitality of the plants. These practices, combined with controlled yields, make it possible to obtain healthy and expressive grapes that are true reflections of their terroir.  

Vinifications of Domaine Antoine Sanzay  

Antoine Sanzay's winemaking philosophy is rooted in respect for the fruit and the terroir. In his cellar, he favors traditional and minimally interventionist methods in order to preserve the purity and freshness of the grapes.  

The harvests are carried out manually, with rigorous sorting of the bunches. For the red wines, Antoine Sanzay uses long maceration and spontaneous fermentations with indigenous yeasts. He partially destemmed the grapes, while allowing certain cuvées to ferment as whole clusters to add complexity. Aging takes place in concrete tanks, oak barrels, or concrete eggs, depending on the cuvée. These containers, chosen with care, allow for subtle oxygenation and harmonious integration of the tannins.  

For the white wines, Antoine Sanzay favors gentle pressing and fermentation in barrels or tanks. The wines are then aged on lees, which gives them a smooth texture and great length on the palate.  

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

The Cuvées of Domaine Antoine Sanzay  

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. Sourced from clay-limestone plots, this red wine combines freshness and fruitiness, with aromas of raspberry and violet. Ideal for everyday enjoyment.  

Saumur-Champigny "Terres Rouges"  

More complex and structured, this wine comes from plots with soils richer in iron. It develops spicy and floral notes, with a beautiful concentration on the palate.  

Saumur-Champigny "Les Poyeux"  

The flagship cuvée of the estate, sourced from the famous Les Poyeux terroir. This intense and elegant wine is aged in oak barrels, which gives it a velvety texture and aromas of dark fruit, liquorice, and undergrowth. An exceptional wine for aging.  

Saumur Blanc "La Paterne"  

This white wine, made from chenin grown on siliceous-limestone soils, is of great freshness and beautiful minerality. Aromas of pear, honey, and white flowers mingle with a lively and balanced acidity.  

Saumur Blanc "Les Pouches"  

A rarer cuvée, sourced from a specific plot. This chenin is aged in barrels, which gives it a rich texture and aromas of ripe fruit and soft spices.  

If you appreciate Saumur Champigny, let yourself be tempted by the discovery of other viticultural gems from the Loire! Iconic estates such as Antoine Sanzay, Clos Rougeard, or Domaine des Closiers reveal all the elegance of this appellation. But the Loire does not 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 of character, combining finesse and depth, that deserve your full attention!

 

Domaine Antoine Sanzay embodies the excellence of Saumur-Champigny. Through meticulous work in the vineyard and in the cellar, Antoine Sanzay produces wines of rare finesse and authenticity. His cuvées, sourced from exceptional terroirs such as Les Poyeux, captivate with their balance, complexity, and pure expression of cabernet franc and chenin. 

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