All about Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame
On this high spot of the Saumur region, both geographically and spiritually, the Collegiate Church of Puy Notre Dame has dominated a 1,500 Hectares ocean of vineyards for over 800 years.
Origins
History
On this high point of the Saumur region, both geographically and spiritually, the Collegiate Church of Puy Notre Dame has dominated a 1,500 Hectares ocean of vines for over 800 years.
A vacation spot of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Puy Notre Dame has been an old wine village since the Plantagenets ruled in the 12th century. The architectural quality of its housing reflects this rich past; and the immense cellars enable long-keeping red wines to be preserved.
Presentation
The Puy Notre Dame, located 20 km south of the town of Saumur, is the highest point of the entire region.
The Saumur Puy Notre Dame appellation area is the result of a very strict delimitation and extends over 17 communes, but, is mostly located on the communes of Puy Notre Dame, Vaudelnay and Brossay.It is based on the ability of these terroirs to produce great ageing wines, on the particularly dry climate, and on the history and tradition of the local winegrowers.
The vines are planted at an average altitude of 80 m, which has always protected them from spring frosts. The Mauges Massif, 40 km to the west, stops much of the rainfall, ensuring that the Cabernet Franc grapes, harvested in October, ripen healthily and are particularly well-suited to making fine, long-keeping wines
.Cultivation methods
Minimum density 4,500 vines/ha.
Grassing or tillage on a minimum of 50% of the surface.
Grassing of headlands. Mandatory bud doubling.
Mandatory parcel identification. 3-year parcel commitment.
Plot control of production conditions in July and September.
Leaving the winery on June 1st.
The Saumur Puy Notre Dame is a deep-colored red wine, full-bodied, powerful and harmonious. It is dominated by aromas of red and black fruits, with a beautiful persistence on the palate, characteristic of wines for laying down.