Domaine Richou

The History of Domaine Richou

It has been three generations since Domaine Richou was created in the Coteaux de l'Aubance. Since 2019, the operation has been taken over by three partners: Bénédicte Petit, Luc Briand and Christophe Aubineau.
To impress their sensitivity and their particularity, the new owners have given themselves a new visual identity. They have chosen terms that reflect their values: Terra, Vita, Vinum, which means earth, life and wine in Latin.

The Richou estate vineyard

The Domaine Richou estate covers 29 hectares, on the Anjou Noir terroir of the Loire Valley, south of Angers. Anjou Noir owes its name to its schistose soils, derived from the Armorican basement, as well as its other dark rocks: gneiss, rhyolites and granite. The climate, influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean, is perfectly suited to the vines.
In 2009, the estate converted to organic farming. Since 2020, it has the Demeter biodynamic certification.
Chenin, the emblematic grape variety of the Anjou region, is in the majority and covers 78% of the 16 hectares dedicated to white wine. It is completed by 22% of Chardonnay.
The red grape varieties that cover the 13 hectares reserved for red wine are Cabernet Franc (42%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), Gamay Noir à jus blanc (35%) and Grolleau (3%).

The Richou estate is divided into 7 terroirs:

1. Pavillon: white wines;
2. Bigottière: white wine from Savennières ;
3. Rogeries: white wines ;
4. Grand Vau : white wines ;
5. Gabouchons / Violettes: white and red wines;
6. Châteliers / Chant de la pierre: red wines;
7. Chauvigné : white, rosé and red wines.

The wines of Domaine Richou

Pavillon - Anjou Blanc appellation

Pavillon white wine belongs to the Anjou Blanc appellation. It is made entirely from the Chenin grape variety.
Its nose is fruity and fresh. The mouth is complex and full of fruity flavors. It is a full-bodied wine, with a long finish, a little tense and always fresh.

Large Soif - Anjou Blanc appellation

The Large Soif cuvée is a blend of 80% Chenin and 20% Chardonnay. It was created as a tribute to Paul Bocuse, who liked to use this expression of Large Soif.
The nose is still very fruity, as is the mouth. The two grape varieties work in perfect synergy to develop the wine's broad aromatic palette. The result is supple and fresh, always very balanced.

Terra Vita Vinum from Domaine Richou - 4 Chemins - Anjou Rouge appellation

The cuvée Les 4 Chemins is entirely made with the Cabernet Franc grape variety.
It differs from the other wines of Domaine Richou, with more spicy flavors that can be found in the nose, as well as in the mouth. It is a very fruity wine that pays tribute to the Anjou Rouge appellation.

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