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Chateau
de Montgueret Loire Region, France
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Located in the Val de Loire in the upper Layon
area, this winery has been producing wine for
over three generations.
The Loire Valley
The largest vineyard area of France lies scattered
about the course the Loire River has carved for
itself through the centuries, from Languedoc to
Brittany. There are dozens of wines, of the most
diverse aspects, adorning the length of the river,
offering a great efflorescence of bouquets and
styles, and united only in charm and allure.
"Le Jardin de la France" - The Garden of France
- is the name given to the Great Loire Valley,
which is France's third largest wine growing region
and the leading area for still white wines. From
its source to the estuary, the royal river flows
majestically past ch‰teaux and stately homes.
Stretching from the center of France to the Ocean,
the Loire Valley is where the North meets the
South, the land of sweet freshness, of art and
literature, of traditional and modernity.
The history of the Loire Valley is closely linked
to the history of France. Thought the first vines
on the Atlantic coast were planted by the Romans,
those of the Loire Valley owe their development
to princes and prelates which dates back to ancient
times. There are texts showing the existence of
vineyards in Sauvignon, Berry and Niverne before
Roman times. By the time of the barbarian invasions,
there was already a long history of vine growing
in Gaul. A 2nd century Gallo-Roman winepress can
be seen in the Musee du Vin in Tours. In about
371, St. Martin encouraged the growing of vines
in Touraine, to provide wine for religious and
medicinal purposes. Evidence of the existence
of vines in Sancerre is given by Gregory of Tours
in 582 in his Historiae Francorum. In 990, when
Bourgueil abbey was founded, Countess Emma gave
some vineyards to the Benedictine monks. They
planted Cabernet Franc vines, and this varietal
has given the areas its means of viticultural
expression for almost a thousand years. By the
11th century, the Loire wine districts were already
renowned. Vineyards continued to develop, thanks
in particular to monastic viticulture, trade with
England, and the various moves of the French court
along the "royal river".
The Loire tributaries play a moderating role by
creating a succession of microclimates in which
the vine can thrive. The soils are of incomparable
richness, though varying greatly from one area
to another, even within a single appellation.
From the shales and gneiss of the Atlantic coast
to the silica clays around Sancerre, the subsoils
are exceptionally diverse, giving each one a personality
and typicity to be found nowhere else on earth.
The particular character of these wines, then,
is rooted in a thousand-year-old tradition. And
these roots are stronger thanks to the fact that
they draw their sustenance from small vineyards,
a feature that has always characterized these
districts. The growers of the Loire are sturdy
and tenacious; each of them feels it is his responsibility
to produce wine that clearly expresses its surroundings.
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Sancerre Soil

Chateau de Montgueret Rose d'Anjou
Made from the Grolleau grape, whose name is derived
from an old French word "grolle" meaning the raven,
a bird with plumage as black as the grapes of
this vine, and is a varietal probably native to
this region. It's wines are very fine and delicate
without tannin or aggressive acidity. It has a
soft color with an important well-balanced aroma
and a delicate taste of young fresh berries. Excellent
as an aperitif, or to accompany light meals or
desserts. Serve chilled.
Chateau de Montgueret Saumur blanc
Made from the Chenin & Chardonnay grape varietals
that are harvested at their very optimum maturity,
they have a short maturation period and are fermented
at a low controlled temperature. The result is
an aromatic, dry, lively and delicate wine. A
fine compliment to all fish dishes, poultry and
light cheeses. Serve chilled.

Chateau de Montgueret Saumur rouge
This wine is made from 100% Cabernet Franc, destemmed,
crushed, and fermented at carefully monitored
temperatures which lasts for about 10-15 days.
The result is an intense red-colored wine with
silky, garnet tints. It is quite fleshy, tannic
with a rounded sweetness to it, and a pronounced
primary fruit aroma. Good partner to small game
meats, beef, and cheeses. Serve at room temperature.
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