Michel Autran: Vineyards
Michel’s vines are close to the première côte near Noizay, which lies upstream from Vouvray. The premières côtes are the vineyards that lie right on the very edge of an ancient limestone escarpment, of Turonian origin, which runs roughly west-east through the communes of Vouvray, Vernou-sur-Brenne and Noizay, slowly softening and fading out as it does so. These sites are therefore typically marked by clay and limestone (which in the right proportions is known locally as aubuis), and behind them – as you move away from the edge of the escarpment – the Turonian limestone gives way to younger layers of clay and flint (sometimes known locally, as perruches).
It is this latter soil type that relates to Michel’s first vineyard. The lieu-dit in question is Les Enfers, named for the underworlds of ancient mythology, fiery worlds where Hades once ruled over the dead. Here, happily, the name is said by Michel to reflect the warmth of this fully south-facing vineyard, rather than anything to do with eternal damnation. These were the vines that he started out with in the 2011 vintage. As I explained in my introduction though, having started with 1 hectare, Michel has already expanded the estate to 4 hectares. This rapid growth does not imply there is continued exponential growth to come, however, as something between 4 and 5 hectares is Michel’s ultimate target. The most significant acquisition is Le Ciel Rouge.
Please log in to continue reading: