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Our escape to discover the Saumur PDO in the Loudunais region
We’d been wanting to discoverAOP Saumur en Pays Loudunais for a long time. It seemed like the perfect combination of love and terroir. So Dimitri and I set down in this beautiful region for a total immersion in what is known here as the PL’Saumurois.
As soon as we arrived, we were struck by the atmosphere of absolute serenity . Here, the vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, and every row of vines seems to invite you to fall into PL’S. We decided to set off to meet the people who make the heart of this land beat faster: the winegrowers.
Escapade in the vineyards of the Saumur PDO in the Loudunais region
We began our journey at Domaine de la Coudraie, where the Naveau family welcomed us with a passion for their work. Dimitri loved talking about tilling the soil, while I was captivated by the history of this know-how handed down from generation to generation. Tasting a glass of red Saumur (in moderation, of course!), we realised that the limestone terroirs combined with the Chenin and Cabernet grape varieties produce wines of great finesse. It’s a delicious experience that immediately connects you to the soul of the region.
A little further on, we pushed open the door to Domaine de l’Épinay. Quentin and Laurent Menestreau explained their environmentally-friendly approach. Their award-winning wines are the fruit of meticulous attention to detail and integrated viticulture. That’s what being a winemaker is all about: listening to nature to get the best out of it. We left with a few bottles, eager to uncork a souvenir of this shared moment when we got home.
Gourmet stopover at the Maison du Pays Loudunais
After these wine discoveries, we headed for the Maison du Pays Loudunais, a place I highly recommend for a break for two. Located in Chalais, this house is much more than a tourist stopover, it’s a veritable showcase of traditions.
On entering, we immediately fell in love with the local produce shop. It’s the ideal place to pick up an authentic souvenir, with local nuggets andarts and crafts. For our part, we fell for the local honey and the famous walnut oil fromHuilerie des Roches (a pure delight!). La Maison also has a restaurant where you can savour typical dishes, accompanied by a glass of local wine. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, perfect for sharing your impressions with Dimitri and the locals.
Total immersion in the heart of the Saumur PDO in the Loudunais region
This day gave us the opportunity to discover the Pays Loudunais from a whole new angle. Between meeting the winegrowers and sampling the delicacies at the Maison du Pays Loudunais, we felt a real connection with the area. It’s a destination that’s far off the beaten track, where every moment is an invitation to savour the moment.
To complete this immersion in the PL’Saumurois, I couldn’t leave you without my little secret for a successful evening. While strolling around the Maison du Pays Loudunais shop with Dimitri, we had some fun improvising a 100% local wine and food pairing, and the result was simply divine.
Imagine opening a bottle of chilled white Saumur, its floral notes and liveliness awakening your taste buds. To accompany it, we opted for a sweet treat with a few slices of toast topped with local honey and a sprinkling of walnuts. The fatness of the walnut and the sweetness of the honey round out the finesse of the Chenin… it’s an explosion of flavours on the palate!
Does it make you want to try it? So, if you’re looking for an authentic getaway for two, to lose yourself in the beauty of the wine-growing countryside, look no further than the PL’Saumurois for an experience you’ll remember for a long time to come!
