La Source du Ruault: Vineyards
The cellars of La Source du Ruault sit on the Rue du Ruau in Varrains. Just around the corner is Domaine des Roches Neuves, and around the next corner is Antoine Sanzay. The domaine now boasts 14 hectares of vines, of which 13 hectares is planted to Cabernet Franc, while 1 hectare is dedicated to Chenin Blanc. The domaine’s location is well within the Saumur-Champigny appellation, and just a stone’s throw from the town of Saumur and the banks of the Loire; thus the terroir is unsurprisingly dominated by tuffeau limestone dating to the Turonian era, with associated clay.
The work in the vineyards is organic, with the use of biodynamic techniques and an awareness of the importance of biodiversity. Jean-Noël has planted hedges to encourage insects and other wildlife, and he cultivates the land beneath the rows of vines, encouraging natural vegetation to take root here. The work in the vineyard follows the phases of the moon, and the soils and vines are strengthened with the use of biodynamic compost, preparation 500 (cow horn manure) to invigorate the roots, Maria Thun’s manure barrel compost for the foliage and preparation 501 (cow horn silica) to improve fruit quality.
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