"Domaine du Salvard has been a standard-bearer in Cheverny – the Loire Valley appellation which snakes along the left bank of the Loire from Sologne to the outskirts of Orleans – ever since Maurice Delaille bought this property in 1890, replanting the vineyards and renovating the estate. It has subsequently passed through five generations of the Delaille family. Today, 42 hectares of vineyards are farmed by brothers Emmanuel and Thierry who have carried on the traditions established by their ancestors, producing authentic, handcrafted Cheverny of the highest order.
While the brothers share most of the responsibilities, Thierry Delaille spends most of his days in the vines, which are typically managed organically with the emphasis on smaller than average yields and sustainable farming practices. Emmanuel handles the winemaking duties. All wines are vinified in temperature controlled stainless steel cuves and draw texture from ageing on fine lees. The wines are bottled unfiltered.
Domaine du Salvard focus mainly on Sauvignon Blanc (which for the AOC wines must be blended with a little Chardonnay), and Chardonnay, which are perfectly suited to the siliceous clay and Beauce limestone plains of their soils around Fougères-sur-Bièvre. The ‘Unique’ is 100% Sauvignon and bottled under screwcap for the Australian market. It’s a subtle, racy and flowing Loire Valley Sauvignon; a perfect antidote to the ocean of caricatured NZ Sauvignon Blanc that floods the market. It cannot be labelled as Cheverny as the appellation laws have recently changed to mandate that producers must include some Chardonnay in the blend in order to use the AOC. Domaine du Salvard are probably best known for their textural and crisp, Cheverny Blanc which blends Sauvignon with 15% Chardonnay. This is a slightly deeper manifestation of the Domaine, both more complex and savoury in nature. All the wines here offer the authenticity and value of a Domaine playing to their finest strengths."
While the brothers share most of the responsibilities, Thierry Delaille spends most of his days in the vines, which are typically managed organically with the emphasis on smaller than average yields and sustainable farming practices. Emmanuel handles the winemaking duties. All wines are vinified in temperature controlled stainless steel cuves and draw texture from ageing on fine lees. The wines are bottled unfiltered.
Domaine du Salvard focus mainly on Sauvignon Blanc (which for the AOC wines must be blended with a little Chardonnay), and Chardonnay, which are perfectly suited to the siliceous clay and Beauce limestone plains of their soils around Fougères-sur-Bièvre. The ‘Unique’ is 100% Sauvignon and bottled under screwcap for the Australian market. It’s a subtle, racy and flowing Loire Valley Sauvignon; a perfect antidote to the ocean of caricatured NZ Sauvignon Blanc that floods the market. It cannot be labelled as Cheverny as the appellation laws have recently changed to mandate that producers must include some Chardonnay in the blend in order to use the AOC. Domaine du Salvard are probably best known for their textural and crisp, Cheverny Blanc which blends Sauvignon with 15% Chardonnay. This is a slightly deeper manifestation of the Domaine, both more complex and savoury in nature. All the wines here offer the authenticity and value of a Domaine playing to their finest strengths."
