CHATEAUMEILLANT designation

Châteaumeillant – AOC since 2010.

Situated in the South of Bourges, this very formerly wine site produces red and rosés stemming from very typified soils (assembly of black Gamay with white juice mainly and 40% of Pinot noir).

The vineyard of Châteaumeillant, which counts 82 hectares, is situated on the municipalities of:

  • Châteaumeillant, Saint Maur and Vesdun in the Cher region (18)
  • Champillet, Feusilles, Néret and Urciers in the Indre region (36)

History:

The first plantations of vines go back up to the Vth century of the beginning of the Christian era.

In the Middle Ages, the vine is cultivated in a more extensive way as show of it the documents of period regulating the production of the wine and which mention zones still cultivated today.

It is in 1830 that is introduced the Gamay. This grape varietal spreads fast in the region because of its capacity to produce quality wines on types of grounds such as those of Châteaumeillant.

In 1869, we stand for 1 200 hectares of vines which know the decimation at the end of the XIXth century, as the whole French vineyard (powdery mildew, mildew, phylloxera).

However, the vineyard resists even if its surface does not stop decreasing till the beginning of 1990s. It thus continues to produce the rosé wine says” grey wine” in which it acquired its reputation.

In 1965, the wine of Châteaumeillant obtains the recognition AOVDQS. Then the first plantations of pinot took place in the 1970s.

From 1990s, the arrival of young wine growers gives a new boost to the vineyard and the “Appellation” will not only be recognized any more for its ” grey wine ” because this one sees itself widely competed by red wines which we produce there.

It is in this context that is sent the demand to join the “ A.O.C ” in 1991.

After 19 years of efforts and initiatives with the INAO institute, to obtain the recognition of the work of the wine growers of the “Appellation”, the vineyard awarded by decree of November 22nd, 2010.

The terroir :

  •  Soils. The domain extends mainly over grounds of sedimentary origin. Made of a red sablo-muddy complex, they allow us to elaborate structured and delicate red wines at the same time which raise the aromatic sharpness of our wines.

  • Climate. Although the vineyard is situated on the foothills of Massif Central, the climate stays of oceanic type. So, it benefits from rather soft temperatures in winter.

  • Grape varietals. Both grape varietals which we work are Gamay and Pinot noir. The first one represents 75 % and the second the 25 %.