Domaine Guiberteau is a pillar in Loire Valley winemaking. Spearheaded by fourth-generation Romain Guiberteau, this iconic estate cultivates vines in some of the most coveted corners of the Saumur appellation, including those on the magnificent hill of Brézé. There, Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc take on a profound complexity yet retain a laser-like acidity that complements these incredibly serious wines’ depth and palate-coating nature.
The estate’s history dates back to the early 20th century, when the domaine was founded by Romain’s great-grandfather, Clément Manguin. After his passing, the property was passed on to Clément’s son-in-law, Robert Guiberteau, who extended the family’s holdings by purchasing a couple of hectares of vines on the Brézé hill. By the mid-1990s, the vines were leased out to neighboring wineries, and Romain was off studying law—however, a change of heart caused him to return home and regain control of the family’s vineyards. He took a mentorship under the esteemed Nady Foucault at Clos Rougeard, and within a few years, ultimately took back full control of all his family’s vineyards.
As of 2000, Romain converted all of the domaine’s vines to organic farming, officially becoming certified in 2007. In the cellar, all fruit is destemmed and fermented with native yeasts. Mostly used oak is used, save for a solid chunk on the Arboise and Brézé cuvées. All wines are bottled without fining; filtration is done only if necessary. Over the past two decades, Guiberteau wines have become some of the most coveted bottles coming out of the Loire Valley.
