Closel, Domaine du
Summary
Domaine du Closel is a family-owned estate in Savennières with 16 hectares of predominantly Chenin Blanc vineyards on south-facing slopes above the Loire River, where schist and sandstone soils with quartz and rhyolite create distinctly mineral wines. Under Evelyne de Pontbriand's leadership since 2001, the estate maintains traditional winemaking through biodynamic viticulture, low yields, native yeast fermentations, and extended lees aging to produce benchmark expressions of this historic appellation.
Heritage & Leadership
Domaine du Closel traces its origins to 1495 when the property was first established in the Savennières appellation of the Loire Valley. The estate's modern history began in 1982 when it passed to the de Pontbriand family through Bernard and Michèle de Pontbriand. Their daughter, Evelyne de Pontbriand, assumed leadership in 2001 and continues to direct operations today. Under Evelyne's guidance, Domaine du Closel achieved organic certification in 2006 and subsequently converted to biodynamic practices, receiving Biodyvin certification in 2015. The property has a distinguished history within Savennières, with previous owner Madame du Closel (née Marquise de Las Cases) serving as the appellation's president during the mid-20th century, helping establish its reputation for exceptional Chenin Blanc.
Vineyards & Wines
Domaine du Closel encompasses 16 hectares of vineyards situated on the south-facing slopes above the Loire River in Savennières. The estate's holdings include the prized Clos du Papillon vineyard, a 7-hectare butterfly-shaped parcel with southern exposure and elevations ranging from 55 to 90 meters. The vineyards feature predominantly schist and sandstone soils with varying proportions of sand, quartz, and rhyolite, contributing distinct mineral characteristics to the wines. Chenin Blanc comprises 100% of plantings, with vine ages spanning from 20 to 80 years. The estate produces several cuvées, including La Jalousie, Les Caillardières, and the single-vineyard Clos du Papillon. Each wine reflects its specific terroir through meticulous vineyard management and precise harvesting decisions, with yields typically maintained between 25 and 35 hectoliters per hectare.
Philosophy & Practice
Domaine du Closel adheres to biodynamic principles throughout its viticultural and winemaking processes. Vineyard management includes cover cropping, manual weed control, and the application of biodynamic preparations according to the lunar calendar. Harvest occurs exclusively by hand, with multiple passes through the vineyards to ensure optimal ripeness. In the cellar, Evelyne de Pontbriand employs native yeast fermentations in a combination of vessels, including stainless steel tanks and oak barrels of varying ages and sizes. Fermentations proceed slowly, often lasting several months, with minimal intervention. The wines age on their lees for 12 to 24 months depending on the cuvée, with gentle filtration applied only when necessary. Sulfur additions are kept to a minimum, with total levels typically below 70 mg/L. This methodical approach preserves the distinctive characteristics of each vineyard site while expressing the pure essence of Chenin Blanc from the Savennières terroir.