Monnières Saint-Fiacre is one of ten Muscadet villages classified as Crus Communaux, a designation seeking to define the specific places in the region that stand out for unique soil types and microclimates, producing wines of identity. The regulations for these Crus cap yields at 45hl/ha, and mandate a minimum of 24 months of aging on the lees. Chéreau Carré produces a wine from four of the Crus Communaux, each made from grapes that exhibit the distinct characteristics of the Cru that dictate Louise’s vinification choices henceforth.
Monnières-Saint Fiacre is located at the heart of the Crus Communaux, within the junction of the Sèvre and the Maine. The landscape here is defined by a succession of hills rising along the left bank of the Sèvre, and a series of knolls rising along its tributaries. The silty, sandy soils on these steep slopes are fine in texture and moderately deep, mostly schist and decomposed gneiss formed as part of the Armorican massif. Here, the Chéreaus farm an 11ha terraced vineyard called Les Terrasses de la Cantrie that overlooks the Sèvre.
The wines of Monnières-Saint Fiacre are fleshy and creamy in texture, with a subtle yet refreshing touch of bitterness at the finish. They deliver aromas of citrus fruit, orange blossom, and tropical fruit, often combined with balsamic notes like wax or honey.
Vinification
After hand-harvesting, alcoholic fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. After fermentation, the wine ages on the lees for 35 months underground in cement tanks before bottling. Wines further age in bottle at the winery for two-to-five years before being released, at the Chéreau’s discretion. Monnières-Saint Fiacre, like all the Chéreau Carré Crus Communaux wines, is only made in the best vintages.
Region
Loire Valley
Appellation
Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine
Cru Communaux
Monnières Saint-Fiacre
Site
Les Terrasses de la Cantrie
Grapes
100% Melon de Bourgogne
Vine Age
20-30 years old
Soil
Gneiss and Schist
Fermentation
Spontaneously fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks
Aging
The 2016 vintage spent 35 months on the lees in underground cement vats, followed by two-to-five years in bottle
Farming
Ecologic
Vegan
Yes
ABV
12%
Pack Size
12x750mL