Exploring Les Poyeux in Saumur-Champigny

No.55 | Vineyard in Focus

Les Poyeux. Quite possibly the most famous Cabernet Franc vineyard in the Loire Valley? Perhaps even in the world? I would argue, yes. Thanks to the reputation of Clos Rougeard and the domaine’s meteoric rise to fame in the mid-2000s, this rather unassuming yet highly regarded vineyard was thrust into the spotlight. Though with eighteen vignerons owning parcels across this expansive vineyard, it is worth taking a closer look at what defines the terroir of Les Poyeux.

Les Poyeux’s historical significance dates to the early 1800s with some of the earliest accounts of the high quality wines coming from this lieu-dit dating to this time. However, there is nothing demarcating this prestigious site. Not a structure, a wall, not even a sign. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to even realize you are driving “through” Les Poyeux within a couple hundred meters of exiting the roundabout from the D93 to the D205 on your way from Varrains to the hamlet of Champigny.

Size Matters

The lieu-dit Les Poyeux…