Saumur-Champigny ‘L’Ile Quatre Sous’ 2021

Chateau Yvonne

$26.99 reg
$24.99 on 6+ (code: 6saves2)

LIle Quatre Sous comes from a single vineyard in Parnay with a high proportion of sandy soil which yields a softer bistrot style red wine to be enjoyed right away. The name means “Four Penny Island”, and refers to an actual sandy bank located in the middle of the Loire River near Parnay (though no vines are actually planted there).

– Sandy-clay over Turonian-era limestone.
– Vines planted 1950s to 2000s
– Native yeast fermentation in concrete vats for 3 weeks without pumpovers to limit extraction.
– No wood, aged for 8 months in concrete vats.

Located in Parnay, Chteau Yvonne has been surrounded by vineyards since the Middle Ages, when the monks at the Abbaye de Fontevraud brought their influence to the region. The chteau dates to the 16th century. In 1997, Yvonne and Jean-Franois Lamunire decided to recreate the abandoned vineyard with the help of Franoise Foucault. In 2007, Mathieu Valle took over and decided to keep the name Chteau Yvonne, in homage of the incredible work done by the previous owners. Today, the domaine is one of the best producers in Saumur. The estate is composed of 3 hectares of Chenin Blanc and 8 hectares of Cabernet Franc, all of which have been farmed organically since 1997.

Today, Matthieu Valle has taken his place as one of the leading producers in Saumur. The vineyards are spread out amongst over 30 different small parcels, with many of the best vineyards located in “La Cte”, or the plateau next to the church of Parnay overlooking the Loire River. While much attention has been given to the limestone outcrop of Brz further south, historically the vineyards of La Cte have been just as highly regarded. In addition to the two cuves Yvonne Blanc and Yvonne Rouge that were historically produced at the property, Matthieu has added several other wines. Ile Quatre Sous comes from sandy soils and produces a soft red that’s easy to drink right away.