Côte Roannaise 'Cuvee Domaine' 2021

Domaine des Pothiers is one of the oldest yet most dynamic and exciting estates within this appellation. The Pothier family and their descendants, the Paires, have lived in Villemontais for over 300 years. The current winemaker, Georges, succeeded his father in 1974 and took over the family estate in 1978. Georges' son, Romain, has also been involved in the business since 2004 to continue the tradition. In addition to making wine, they also breed Limousin cattle.

They cultivate a total of 10 hectares of vines, all but 30 ares of which are family-owned. Most of the vineyards are planted with Gamay Saint-Romain, but they also have a small hectare of Chardonnay and half a hectare of Pinot Gris. Everything here is harvested by hand, and they work entirely organically (certified).

In 2005, the Paires purchased what is probably the highest vineyard in the entire appellation:
Le Clos du Puy is located high on the hill with a beautiful view over the plain and Lac de Loire, with the Beaujolais mountains in the distance. It is an authentic 1.7-hectare Clos, completely enclosed by a high wall. Le Puy itself is a hamlet of one or two houses dominated by an old priory that once claimed ownership of the clos. A special place, therefore, that produces exceptional wine.

Approximately 30 kilometers north of the Côtes Roannaise appellation in the village of Saint-Nazaire-sous-Charlieu, located on the other side of the Loire, the Paires have undertaken the challenge of restoring an old parcel of Gamay. They have been producing here since 2004 under the Vin de Pays d'Urfé designation, and are the only grower active here. Unlike the Côte Roannaise, the soil on the right bank contains more limestone and clay, resulting in a very different profile.

Although Domaine des Pothiers has existed for centuries, the wine region is so unknown and remote that this winery remained under the radar until 2014, when the influential Revue du Vin de France declared this estate the discovery of the year.