Domaine Tardieux-Gal Les Temps des Aunis 2022

Domaine Tardieux-Gal, located in Thésée, Loire Valley, France, is a winery known for its dedication to organic farming and minimal intervention winemaking. The estate spans 17 hectares and focuses on grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pineau d'Aunis, Cabernet Franc, Gamay, and Côt (Malbec). Founded in 1977, the winery has been certified organic since 1998.

Simon Tardieux and Jerome Gal currently manage the winery. Simon, who grew up helping in the vineyards, returned to his viticulture roots after university and social work. He emphasizes community-building activities, such as collective composting and organizing organic wine fairs, alongside traditional winemaking practices. Jerome Gal, a former vineyard worker, became Simon's partner, reflecting their collaborative approach.

Domaine Tardieux-Gal produces a range of wines, including the Touraine Chenonceaux "Les Maselles" Sauvignon Blanc, known for its vibrant, fresh, and herbaceous profile with citrus fruits and pronounced minerality notes. Other notable wines include the "Tradition" red blend of Gamay and Côt and "Le Temps des Aunis" Pineau d'Aunis.

Their wines are crafted with spontaneous fermentation using native yeasts and minimal sulfites. They are often aged in stainless steel or fiberglass tanks to preserve their natural character. This meticulous approach results in wines that express the unique terroir of the Loire Valley.

The Loire Valley is a vast region located in western France. It stretches from the hills of Auvergne all the way to the Atlantic coast, cut in half by the Loire River. With over 4 million hectoliters of wine per year, the Loire Valley is one of France’s biggest and most diverse wine producing regions. The Lore Valley’s production ranges from every-day quaffable and unpretentious wine to some of the country’s finest whites and reds.

The Terroir of the Loire Valley

Upper Loire sub-region: continental climate, soils are mostly flint and limestone formations. This is the land of Sauvignon Blanc, with Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé being the most famous appellations (AOC).

Touraine sub-region: continental climate, soils can be clay with flint or limestone, and chalk. Chenin Blanc is the main grape varietal for white wines, with Sauvignon Blanc coming in second. Red wines are made mostly from Cabernet Franc.

Anjou sub-region: maritime to continental climate, crumbly and soft soil formation called tuffeau. Anjou is well-known for its Chenin Blanc wines, mostly dry although there are good examples of sweet Chenin Blanc in Coteaux du Layon.

Saumur sub-region: continental to maritime climate, soils are made of tuffeau limestone in this similar to Anjou sub-region. Chenin Blanc is vinified as a sparkling wine with the champenoise method, Cabernet Franc is made into light and peppery wines.

Pays Nantais sub-region: maritime climate, the region stretches to the Atlantic Ocean. Soils are rocky with granite formations. Muscadet is the main grape varietal of this area, known for wines that are mineral, crisp, and refreshing.

The White Wines of Loire Valley

White wines represent the biggest share with about 65% of the total production. Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Melon de Bourgogne, and Chenin Blanc, Melon de Bourgogne are the most popular grape varietals in the region.

The Red Wines of Loire Valley

Loire Valley reds are very distinct in terms of their style. Light and lean, lively and fruity, easy-drinking and food-friendly, they are some of the best everyday wines on the market. Some of the best examples of this style are made from Gamay, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Malbec.