Domaine Guiberteau: Vineyards
As noted in my introduction, the domaine is located at the end of the Impasse du Cabernet in Mollay, what appears to be the largest village within the commune of Saint-Just-sur-Dive. This places the domaine close to the course of the Thouet, but it is also very close to Brézé, a name that causes the ears of Clos Rougeard fans to prick up, but it is a name that is also relevant to the Guiberteau portfolio.
Romain Guiberteau currently has 9 hectares of Chenin Blanc and 6.5 hectares of Cabernet Franc planted. The reds are old vines, with all the pieds at least fifty years of age, while the whites are of more variable age. The Chenin Blanc tends to be planted on limestone, whereas the Cabernet Franc are usually matched with soils of limestone and clay.
The work in the vineyard is organic, and the domaine is certified as such. Newly acquired vineyards are managed and vinified separately and the fruit not included in blends until the vines are certified. There are a number of interesting vineyards, but as these are largely represented by individual cuvées in the portfolio I will discuss them below, as I look at the approach to vinification.
