Vue aérienne des vignes ensoleillées, domaine Anjou et Val de Loire, Domaine du Gerfaut

The Domaine du Gerfaut estate

Located at the confluence of the Loire and Layon rivers, the Domaine du Gerfaut is a 20-hectare wine estate producing refined wines from the Anjou region.

The two winemakers, François and Antoine, who took over the estate, aim to focus production on dry white wines while using environmentally friendly farming methods. Since 2023, the estate has been undergoing conversion to organic farming.

Cabanne de vigne au Domaine du Gerfaut, entourée de verdure, domaine Anjou et Val de Loire.

Our terroir

The vineyard is located on the heights of the Corniche Angevine in Chalonnes-sur-Loire, southwest of Angers, at the confluence of the Layon, Louet, and Loire rivers. The plots are divided into two separate blocks, 2 km apart.

Field of vines at sunset, domaine Anjou and Loire Valley.

The first block overlooks Chalonnes-sur-Loire with its south and east facing slopes that promote ripening. The soil is composed of schist, sometimes clayey, sometimes sandy.

The second block borders the Natura 2000 zone. The south-facing orientation of the vines on rocky schist soils reduces plant vigor and yields. The resulting wines are more concentrated.

Vine

Several grape varieties are grown:
Chenin and Chardonnay for the whites;
Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pineau d’Aunis, Grolleau, and Gamay for the rosés and reds.

This diversity of grape varieties provides greater resilience to climatic challenges and allows us to produce wines adapted to customer demands.

Vue aérienne d'un vignoble d'anjou, domaine Anjou et Val de Loire, Domaine du Gerfaut.

Butterfly on a purple flower, Domaine du Gerfaut, Anjou and Loire Valley.

Rangées de vignes verdoyantes sous le soleil, domaine Anjou et Val de Loire.

As part of our efforts to preserve the surrounding nature and combat soil warming, the estate uses practices that promote biodiversity and reduce water evaporation by grassing the vineyard rows (which are mowed only once or twice a year).

In addition, the estate strives to minimize soil erosion and reduce the use of phytosanitary products as much as possible.

Birds in flight. View of the Anjou and Loire Valley estates. Domaine du Gerfaut.

Our wines

During harvest, bioprotection practices are used to reduce sulfur use by half on the finest cuvées. François and Antoine aim to let the grapes express themselves as naturally as possible, while avoiding wine spoilage by starting fermentation immediately after pressing.

This is why indigenous yeasts are not used, in favor of neutral yeasts. Fermentation temperatures are controlled for whites, rosés, and reds alike. Barrel aging is reserved for Anjou Villages and Chenin wines.