Saumon ‘Vin de Frantz’

Frantz Saumon ‘Vin de Frantz’ is a Loire Valley blend of Chenin Blanc, Menu Pineau, and Romorantin, crafted by winemaker Frantz Saumon. This unique and expressive wine brings together these grape varieties, resulting in a highly enjoyable and well-balanced experience. Saumon farms his vineyards organically and biodynamically, with Ecocert certification to guarantee the integrity of his natural vineyard practices. The wine greets you with nutty aromas of caramel and apple, leading to a rich, honeyed palate. Its round, waxy texture contrasts beautifully with a crisp, refreshing acidity, making it a wine that is both vibrant and easy to drink.

Saumon’s vineyards span about 6 hectares of fossil-rich clay soils in Montlouis-sur-Loire, located south of Vouvray and east of Tours. He practices organic farming with a hands-on approach, where every step, from hand-harvesting to allowing native yeasts to initiate spontaneous fermentations, reflects his commitment to natural winemaking. Saumon’s minimal intervention philosophy extends to sulfur use, limiting its application to small amounts only when absolutely necessary. This approach ensures the wine remains pure and true to its origins. In 2001, Frantz took over these vineyards, converting them from conventional to organic and biodynamic methods, setting the foundation for his winemaking philosophy.

Frantz Saumon

Frantz officially established his domaine in Montlouis-sur-Loire in 2002 after diverse experiences, including work as a forester in France and Canada. His winemaking journey was significantly shaped by his time working with Christian Chaussard at Domaine le Briseau, a key figure in the “vin naturel” movement. Frantz’s winemaking style focuses on purity, with an emphasis on clean, dry wines that fully express the terroir.

Saumon’s primary focus is Chenin Blanc, grown across five distinct vineyard plots, each with its own terroir. These vineyards range in age from 20 to 50 years, while Clos du Chêne boasts vines that are 70 to 100 years old. The soils in these plots vary from tuffeau limestone to clay over limestone, clay with silex, and clay with broken-down limestone, which provides a rich complexity to the wine.

Frantz manages every aspect of his winemaking, from the vineyards to the cellar. He maintains minimal intervention, letting the natural elements of the grapes come through. While Chenin Blanc is his primary focus, Frantz also produces small amounts of Sauvignon, rosé, and red wines, sourcing organic grapes from trusted friends. Consequently, his personalised approach has earned his wines recognition and respect in the Loire Valley.