Chateau de Parnay

The first fortress of Parnay dates back to the Middle Ages, in the 10th and 11th centuries. At the end of the 15th century, the property and the castle belong to Jehan du Plessis, the future King of Naples who was also Duke of Anjou (1434-1480). The halls in the court of the castle date back to this time. In 1794, the castle of Parnay was attacked and burned by the Republicans and is also the witness of the massacre of 112 young royalists sentenced by the revolutionary committee of Saumur, and executed in front of the castle and buried, on the spot in a communal grave. In 1820, the new castle at Parnay, in true renaissance style, was constructed. The property was purchased in 1887 by Antoine Cristal who was the inventor of many ground breaking viticultural techniques. In December 2006, the property is purchased by Mathias Levron and Regis Vincenot who resume the exploitation of the vines of Parnay perpetuating all the quality and traditions of the castle. Situated at the heart of the best terroirs of the Saumur-Champigny region, is the famous “Clos d’Entre les Murs” vineyard. Built around 1900 by Antoine Cristal, this walled vineyard is truly one of the most unique in the world. Parnay will be the future home of a 5 star hotel on the property aiming its sites at being on of the most exquisite wine resorts in all of France.

Saumur-Champigny Rouge

Region: AOC Saumur-Champigny Rouge
Color: Deep ruby with purple tints
Aroma: Red fruity aromas and flowery notes of violet.
Tasting Notes: Rich and full bodied expression of Cabernet Franc, with velvetty tannins and notes of violet, blackcurrants and strawberry preserves.
Food Pairings: Bacon and ham dishes like Prosciutto di Parma and melon, Quiche Lorraine and charcuterie plates.
Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Franc
Alcohol Level: 12.5%

Vinification: Fresh and cold extraction with a maceration period of 12 days.
Notes/Facts: The Saumur Champigny vines have a remarkable position on the upper Turonian plateau and on the plateau above the chalk.

Chemin des Murs – AOC Saumur Blanc

Region: AOC Saumur Blanc
Color: Yellow color with golden shades
Aroma: Subtle and refined scents of lime and lemongrass, apricot, peach and quince.
Tasting Notes: Round and mellow attack on the palate with notes of preserved lemons and grapefruits with natural freshness and classic Saumur minerality.
Food Pairings: Asian dishes containing soy, garlic and pork. Coquilles Saint-Jacques and Waldorf salad.
Grape Variety: 100% Chenin Blanc
Alcohol Level: 12.5%

Vinification: The grapes are lightly crushed with a pneumatic cube press and placed into Troncais oak for a short period of 4-5 months to preserve freshness and acidity.
Notes/Facts: Chenin Blanc has a long history in the Anjou region dating back to ninth century plantings and originally was called “chenere” and then Pineau de Loire as it is still often referred. In 1445, the Lord of Chenonceaux along with his brother in law, the Abbott of Cormery, planted it near Mont Chenin in Touraine and it took on the name from there.

Clos d’Entre les Murs, AOC Saumur Blanc

Region: AOC Saumur Blanc
Color: Pale yellow and brilliant
Aroma: The first nose after pouring there is mineral intensity. Then you swirl the wine in the glass to release more intense aromas of pear, apricot and honey.
Tasting Notes: The acidity is high but balanced by the structure of the wine. In the middle we have toasty oak with the full body and the acidity tickles your taste buds. With an appetizing creamy and citrusy sensation, this wine is extremely long in the mouth and probably the most complex Chenin Blanc in its class.
Food Pairings: Grilled sea bass, Asian dishes with ginger and garlic, Lobster Thermador.
Grape Variety: 100% Chenin Blanc
Alcohol Level: 12.5%

Vinification: In the 20th century, Antoine Cristal built the Clos walls with vines on the north side keeping the roots in the shade and conserving moisture. Then he put the vine through the hole at the base of the wall allowing the rest of the plant and its grapes the benefits from the sunshine on the south side and the deflection of heat off the wall.
Notes/Facts: In 1905 Antoine Cristal’s production was considered better than Chateau d’ Yquem. The Tsar of Russia and the Prince of Wales Edward VII received deliveries of Château de Parnay wines. Prince Edward VII and the French Prime Minister of the World War 1 came to visit Mr. Cristal quite often. Only 2000 bottles per year are produced.