Montgilet

History of Domaine Montgilet

The history of domaine de Montgilet begins around 1880, when an ancestor of the Lebreton family planted a first plot of one and a half hectares on the schistous slopes of Juigné-sur-Loire. Over the generations, the vineyard grew progressively, guided by a shared conviction: that the slate terroir of this region deserves an authentic and carefully crafted expression. It was Victor Lebreton, the owner in the early twentieth century, who laid the foundations of the estate's reputation, by developing the Coteaux de l'Aubance, those sweet whites from noble rot selections on Chenin Blanc that today bring the property its national renown. Victor Lebreton, who passed away in 1997 at the age of 97, dedicated his entire life to this vineyard.

His son, also named Victor, took over the reins before passing them on to his two sons, Victor and Vincent Lebreton, who have been running the estate since 1986 and 1995 respectively. Since December 2023, a dynamic sixth generation has joined the venture: Maxime in the vineyard, Marlène in the cellar, and Romain and Simon in sales. This generational renewal brings fresh energy while preserving the estate's founding values: quality, authenticity, and a sincere expression of the Anjou terroir.

Terroirs and Vines of Domaine Montgilet

The vineyard of Domaine de Montgilet rests on a mosaic of three distinct schist terroirs, all derived from the Armorican Massif, which give the wines their signature minerality. The first terroir, and the most extensive, consists of clay on blue schist from the Angers-Trélazé slate massif: this is the estate's main bedrock, located in the commune of Juigné-sur-Loire, which benefits from the climatic influence of the nearby Loire, 700 metres wide at this point. The second terroir, of clayey silt on altered grey schists, is found in the commune of Soulaines-sur-Aubance. The third, made up of purple sandstone schists in the commune of Mozé-sur-Louet, is home to the iconic Clos Prieur plot.

The grape varieties cultivated reflect the Loire tradition in its greatest diversity: Chenin Blanc for the Coteaux de l'Aubance and Anjou Blancs, Cabernet Franc (44%), Grolleau (30%), Cabernet Sauvignon (18%), and Gamay (8%) for the reds and rosés. The average age of the vines is 40 years. The soils are worked using traditional methods (ploughing, grass cover, short pruning), with a High Environmental Value level 3 certification obtained since the 2019 harvest and an ongoing transition towards organic farming.

Winemaking at Domaine Montgilet

The winemaking philosophy of domaine de Montgilet is founded on respect for the fruit and the faithful expression of each terroir. For the Coteaux de l'Aubance, harvesting is done by hand through successive tries, in order to select grapes affected by noble rot at their optimal concentration level. The musts undergo a light settling without enzymes, then ferment slowly, sometimes in barrels for the most noble cuvées, without the addition of yeasts or chaptalization. The top-of-the-range cuvées such as Le Clos Prieur require a potential alcohol of more than 20% by volume to be produced.

For dry wines and rosés, vinifications are carried out in stainless steel or concrete tanks at controlled temperature, with macerations tailored to each grape variety. Cabernet d'Anjou is vinified by direct pressing for one third of the harvest and 16-hour maceration for the remaining two thirds, in order to extract colour and aromas with precision. The reds are aged in tank, mostly without oak ageing, in order to preserve the freshness and fruitiness characteristic of the Anjou slate terroirs.

The cuvées of Domaine Montgilet

Coteaux de l'Aubance Cuvée Générique: The entry level of the estate's sweet white range, this cuvée made from noble rot Chenin Blanc naturally expresses the Anjou sweetness: aromas of ripe white fruits, citrus, and honey, a palate balanced between freshness and sweet roundness. Introductory and approachable, it pairs readily with foie gras or fruit desserts.

Coteaux de l'Aubance Les Trois Schistes: A single-vineyard selection from the three types of schist found on the estate, Les Trois Schistes illustrates the geological diversity of Montgilet. Chenin expresses itself here with greater complexity and minerality, with aromas of pear, apricot, white flowers, and a saline finish characteristic of slate schists.

Coteaux de l'Aubance Le Tertereaux: A single-vineyard cuvée from plots on blue clay schists of Juigné-sur-Loire and Soulaines-sur-Aubance, Le Tertereaux reveals a more structured and mineral Chenin, with a beautiful acidic tension that balances the natural sweetness. Aromas of candied citrus, beeswax, and dried flowers, with a long and saline finish.

Coteaux de l'Aubance Le Clos des Huttières: An intermediate single-vineyard cuvée in the qualitative hierarchy of the estate's Coteaux de l'Aubance, Le Clos des Huttières expresses a botrytised Chenin of great finesse, with aromas of exotic fruits, dried apricot, and flower honey, supported by a mineral vivacity that lends it elegance and ageing potential.

Coteaux de l'Aubance Le Clos Prieur: The flagship cuvée and pinnacle of the range, Le Clos Prieur comes from the plot of the same name on the purple schists of Mozé-sur-Louet. Only berries reaching more than 20% potential alcohol are selected. After slow pressing, light settling, and fermentation in barrique on indigenous yeasts, the wine develops intense aromas of linden, acacia, candied pear, apricot, and honey, with a long and complex finish. A wine of great ageing potential and high gastronomy.

Anjou Villages Brissac: A structured red made from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, planted on slate schists. Without oak ageing, it frankly expresses the aromas of red and black fruits, bell pepper, and liquorice that are characteristic of Anjou Cabernets on schist. A supple and fresh palate, fine tannins, and a mineral finish characteristic of the Anjou Noir.

Anjou Rouge: A blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon on clay and blue schists, this entry-level red is crafted to express the indulgence and typicity of the Anjou slate terroirs. Aromas of small red fruits, a supple and round palate, ideal with charcuterie and light meats.

Anjou Blanc: Made from Chenin Blanc vinified dry, the estate's Anjou Blanc expresses the natural tension of this iconic Loire grape variety: citrus, green apple, white flowers, a straight and mineral palate, with a fresh and persistent finish. A characterful dry white, faithful to the Anjou schists.

Anjou Gamay: A light and fruity red made from Gamay, vinified to preserve the liveliness and indulgence of the grape variety. Aromas of raspberry, strawberry, and light spices, a fresh and fluid palate, to be served slightly chilled. A wine of immediate pleasure, perfect as an aperitif or with simple cuisine.

Cabernet d'Anjou: A tender rosé dominated by Cabernet Franc, vinified by direct pressing and short maceration. A vivid and luminous colour, aromas of crisp small red fruits, a round and suave palate with a sweetness balanced by a beautiful vivacity. A generous and aromatic rosé, an emblem of the Anjou appellation.

Rosé de Loire: A dry rosé from a blend of local grape varieties, aged in concrete tank. Aromas of cherry and white fruits (apricot, vineyard peach), a fresh and light palate. The quintessential summer wine, to be enjoyed with Mediterranean cuisine or grilled dishes.

Rosé d'Anjou: A demi-sec rosé made primarily from Grolleau, with a touch of Cabernet, aged in tank. A pale pink colour, a fruity and floral nose, a light and easy palate, with a slight roundness that makes it a pleasant thirst-quenching wine for all occasions.

Crémant de Loire: A sparkling wine crafted using the traditional method from Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Fine and persistent bubbles, with aromas of apple, brioche, and white flowers, a fresh and balanced palate. A Crémant of great finesse, to be served as an aperitif or with light desserts.

La Croisée des Schistes (Coteaux de l'Aubance): A cuvée made from botrytised Chenin, selected from the estate's iconic plots through successive tries. It reveals the aromatic complexity and balance characteristic of the Coteaux de l'Aubance, with a sweetness counterbalanced by the mineral freshness of the schists. A beautiful expression of the appellation's identity.

La Croisée des Schistes Cabernet Tendre: A rosé variation of the La Croisée des Schistes range, made from Cabernet Franc vinified as a tender rosé. Indulgence and freshness are perfectly balanced in this characterful Cabernet d'Anjou, capable of surprising after a few years of cellaring.

Le Moulin à Chenin: A dry Anjou Blanc from old-vine Chenin, aged in oak barrels for twelve months. A straw-yellow colour, a discreet nose of fruit and floral nuances, a full and structured palate with a beautiful aromatic persistence. An elegant and profound dry white for ageing, which perfectly embodies Chenin's ability to age gracefully.

Le Tendre (IGP Val de Loire): A demi-sec white blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Chenin, vinified to express lightness and fruitiness. Aromas of citrus and yellow-fleshed fruits, a light and crisp palate, with a fresh finish. An approachable and convivial wine, ideal as an aperitif or with world cuisine dishes.

Les Cousins de Montgilet (range): Launched by the estate's new generation, this range of pleasure wines showcases the typical Anjou grape varieties across several distinct cuvées. Le Chenin des cousins reveals the singularity and tension of dry Chenin. Le Chenin tendre des cousins, made from slightly over-ripened grapes, offers a beautiful balance between freshness and sweetness. Le Fié gris des cousins, made from Sauvignon Gris, expresses exotic aromas and a full-bodied palate. Le Blanc de noir des cousins, vinified as a white from Cabernet Franc, surprises with its typical aromas and freshness. Le Grolleau gris des cousins offers a delicate pale pink colour and a light, fruity palate. Le Grolleau des cousins expresses the indulgence of an old Loire grape variety, supple and low in alcohol. Le Gamay des cousins reveals the spiced notes and characteristic sweetness of the grape variety.