Domaine de la Paleine, Vins de Saumur

Throughout the ages and over the seasons,
the hill of Le Puy-Notre-Dame and its Collegiate Church have
witnessed the men and women who worked the land.
Healthy, biodynamic viticulture,
For the emotions associated with the wine, which reflect the distinctiveness of the “terroir” and the appellations.
Certifié Agriculture Biologique et Demeter Agriculture Biodynamique

The Vineyard

The identity, the history of the Domaine

The Domaine de la Paleine, is a remarkable property, which existed at least as early as the 18th century, under the name Moulins de la Palenne (Windmills of the Palenne). The Palenne, also spelt Paleine, is a rustic and resistant moor grass, officially the Molinie bleue.

The parcels of land at the headquarters remain unchanged, sheltered and enclosed by walls. The base of one of the two windmills still watches over them; underground tuffeau cellars extend for over 1.5 km. Beehives, a vegetable garden and cereals complement the viticulture.

Over the past thirty years, the Domaine under the leadership of the last two owners and Patrick Nivelleau, the cellar master, has undergone a radical improvement, refocusing on sustainable viticulture and its demand for quality.

In early 2023, Jean-Louis Bernet took over from Marc and Laurence Vincent.A new, completely committed winemaker, Jean-Louis is continuing this adventure.

The location, the terroir, the nature of the soil

Le Puy-Notre-Dame is on the borders of the Paris Basin (of sedimentary rocks).
From the Domaine, you can see most of the parcels of land which extend over:

  • the hills of Le Puy-Notre-Dame and of la Cerisaie (Argentay), sandy or sandy-clayey chalk formations from the Turonian period;
  • the slopes rising towards the Brossay plateau, with hard Jurassic limestone, clayey-loamy soils with flint and quartz;
  • and on the undulations of the Lower Turonian period, in the lower parts.

The tuffeau (chalk) soils, characteristic of the Saumur area, are favourable for developing roots and supplying water to the vines; and have altitudes of approximately 60 to 100 metres for exposure to light and ventilation.

The 38-hectare vineyard thus presents a remarkable diversity of soils, in a confined area – with the exception of three parcels of land close to the Loire.

Jacques Laugery, Geological aspects, AOC file Saumur - Puy-Notre-Dame, March 2000.

  • Know-how

    Giving regular attention to the vines, adapting the work to each parcel of land;

    Actions repeated consistently over the years;

    Demanding know-how, subject to uncertainties; and after that, from the vine to the glass, the emotions associated with the wine are revealed

    In the vineyard

    The conversion of the Domaine to Organic Agriculture began in 2010, was certified in 2013, and out of respect for living things, the transition to Biodynamics followed in 2017.

    The vineyards have grass strips, with plant cover maintained between the rows of vines, and mechanical weeding under them replaces chemical weedkillers. This work promotes the life, structure and organic matter of the soil.

    Pruning is done respecting the flow of sap, according to the Guyot Poussard method; and de-budding makes it possible to control yields and preserve the vines.

    The grapes harvest is manual, a guarantee of quality, with sorting the grapes carried out on the parcel of vines.

    We work with and for nature. Everything that remains to be done for a living and sustainable environment inspires us.

  • Know-how

    Giving regular attention to the vines, adapting the work to each parcel of land;

    Actions repeated consistently over the years;

    Demanding know-how, subject to uncertainties; and after that, from the vine to the glass, the emotions associated with the wine are revealed

    In the wine cellar

    The main game is played out in the vineyard and the choice of the date for the grape harvest, at optimal maturity, is key.

    Biodynamic viticulture applies both to the cellar and to the vineyard, and in particular fermentations are carried out with natural yeasts and without other inputs.

    The cellar, modernized in 2004, houses stainless steel vats, where the temperature control is essential for winemaking. The grapes from the best parcels of land are vinified separately.

    The aging and storage of the wines take place in the underground tuffeau cellars of the Domaine.

    In the end, the wine speaks for the winemaker, says Patrick, the Cellar Master.

  • Know-how

    Giving regular attention to the vines, adapting the work to each parcel of land;

    Actions repeated consistently over the years;

    Demanding know-how, subject to uncertainties; and after that, from the vine to the glass, the emotions associated with the wine are revealed

    The team

    The Domaine is above all a team of men and women, who are there every morning, sometimes under demanding conditions.

    The desire to contribute to the Domaine's plans, collective work and good humour are essential, as is the quest for quality in everyday actions.

  • Le Puy-Notre-Dame

    «VILLAGE OF CHARM» and «Small Town of Character»

    THE DOMAINE DE LA PALEINE IS LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE LOIRE VALLEY, A STONE'S THROW FROM THE MAGNIFICENT COLLEGIATE CHURCH OF LE PUY-NOTRE-DAME.

    20 km from Saumur, located on the borders of Touraine, Deux-Sèvres and Vienne, Le-Puy-Notre-Dame, classified as a “Village of Charm” and “Small Town of Character” has retained all of its authenticity. The main economy of the village is based on viticulture (winemaking).

    The name Le-Puy-Notre-Dame comes from the association of the Celtic word Peuch which means small mountain and the veneration of the Blessed Virgin. In the 11th century, the Puy hill was called the Colline de Marie. The Collegiate Church was established by Louis XI.

    www.ville-lepuynotredame.fr

  • The Wine Tasting cellar

    We look forward to welcoming you to taste the wines of Domaine de la Paleine and to share our daily life as winegrowers.

  • The Tuffeau cellars

    Underground, 1.5 km of galleries have been dug into the tuffeau stone using various techniques over the centuries.

    Here, at a stable hygrometry and temperature of around 12°C, protected from light, in ideal aging conditions, several vintages are preserved and matured.

  • The Vineyard Lodge at Oiré

    The vineyard lodge in the middle of the parcel Château d'Oiré is a reminder of the winemaker's daily routine.


    The evolution of work has taken away its usefulness. Restored in 2009 in the original spirit, it is now a testimony to our winegrowing culture, which we are delighted to share with you.


  • Montsoreau

    An exceptional heritage

    THIS PRESTIGEOUS PLACE OF LOCAL HERITAGE IS RECOGNIZED AND REFERENCED AS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES IN FRANCE.

    About thirty kilometres from the estate, between Anjou and Touraine, Montsoreau's prestigious setting is the Loire. Standing above the great river is reflected a 15th century castle made famous by Alexandre Dumas’s novel La Dame de Monsoreau.

    In the surrounding areas, white tuffeau houses topped with slate, flowery alleys and green paths lead to the vineyards of Saumur.

    www.ville-montsoreau.fr

  • LA PALEINE TASTING CELLAR

    4, rue du port au Vin 49730 Montsoreau
    Tél. : 02 41 38 39 51.

    In the magnificent village of Montsoreau, you'll find our tasting cellar, housed in a house typical of the region, with its white tuffeau stone walls, old fireplace, vaulted cellar and cosy atmosphere.

    All our wines are available for tasting at the same conditions as at the Domaine.

  • La Toue from Domaine de la Paleine

    The Toue Milady moored on the banks of the Loire in Montsoreau allows the Domaine de la Paleine to offer its customers a tasting of its wines along the Loire.

Come and meet us for a personalised visit and taste the distinctiveness of our wines.

Domaine de la Paleine

All year round from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

MONTSOREAU CELLAR

From Friday to Monday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (low season) and from Thursday to Monday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (high season). Closed at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Closed in January and February.

Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health.

Tarifs sur demande par téléphone au 0241522124
ou par e-mail à paleinesecretariat@orange.fr

Rejoignez-nous sur nos pages Instagram, Facebook et LinkeIn.

Crédits photo : M. Robert, M. Bonnot, Mme Pichard, M. Ubertini.

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