Château Gaudrelle: Vineyards
Driving alongside the north bank of the Loire, out of Tours in the direction of Vouvray, the relocation of this domaine now means it is one of the first to be encountered along the side of the road. Before so much as a vine has popped into sight, signs for Château Gaudrelle can be seen at the roadside, at the entrance to the cellars. Here dark green iron gates, which for many years still bore the name of Clos de l’Olivier (the previous owner), control access to the domaine. Beyond is a courtyard and the cellars themselves, which run deep into the limestone of the première côte directly behind.
The 16 hectares of vines belonging to Château Gaudrelle are planted on very typical soils of clay, limestone and flint, the limestone bedrock beneath of Turonian origin, making it about 90 million years old. Naturally the Vouvray vines are 100% Chenin Blanc, with an average age of 35 years. Under Alexandre there has been an ongoing program of renewal, with about 0.5 hectares replanted each year, presumably this will continue under Éric’s guiding hand.
The vines are dotted about the Vouvray appellation, but notable parcels include Clos Le Vigneau, a lieu-dit which sits between the famed Clos de Bourg and the town of Vouvray itself, and Clos de la Huppe, which is a name Éric uses for 1 hectare of vines low down in Clos Le Vigneau. Both are première côte vineyards, of similar standing to Le Marigny. In addition the parcel L’Alleau, in Rochecorbon, occupies a similar position. Set back from the river, on the plateau, the domaine also has vines at La Gaudrelle around the original château of the same name, at Les Gués d’Amand and Les Terres Noires.
