NV Loire Sparkling White Brut | Chateau de la Cormerais

Step into history at Château de la Cormerais, a former fortified manor dating back to the 15th century. Surrounded by moats, graced with a drawbridge, and complete with its own private chapel, this estate tells a story as rich and layered as the wines it produces.

First mentioned in historical records in 1420 during the succession of Lord Jean de Mauges, the château passed through the hands of noble families such as the Mesneuf, Le Gouvello, and De La Motte-Fouquet lineages. In 1489, Duchess Anne of Brittany gifted the château to Julien de L’Isle, in recognition of his loyal and “pleasant” service.

In 1782, Count Paul Le Gouvello de la Cormerais became its new steward and, later, a devoted officer in the Vendée army during the French Revolution.

The estate entered a new era in 1856, when the Besnard family acquired it. In 1993, Thierry Besnard settled there as a winemaker, continuing the château’s legacy with passion and care. Starting with just 7 hectares of vines, he has since grown the vineyard to 38 hectares, cultivating a thoughtful blend of tradition and innovation.

Today, Château de la Cormerais produces a diverse range of wines, from the region’s iconic Muscadet Sèvre et Maine to Gros-Plant, Gamay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and more recent additions like Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Grolleau Noir, and Merlot.

Located at the confluence of the Sèvre and Maine rivers, just south of Nantes in the western Loire Valley, the estate spans two unique terroirs: the gabbro-rich soils of Gorges and the gneiss of Monnières. This geological diversity, combined with oceanic influences from the nearby Atlantic, brings a distinctive freshness and minerality to the wines.

Tasting Notes:
Savoury minerally scents and notes of green apple peel and pear. In the mouth it’s dry and racy with a mineral lift to the lingering citrus and pear flavours.