Plots
The 5-hectare vineyard is made up of 6 separate plots.
They lie on 500-million-year-old parent rock, consisting of degraded schist and gneiss, rich in biotite, emblematic of the Cambrian period.
I selected these plots because their schist soils are rich in minerals and have excellent drainage capacity, preventing the vines from becoming waterlogged, which could dilute the aromas. The roots of the vines are able to penetrate deep into the soil, resulting in wines with a high mineral content, lively acidity and aromatic complexity. What’s more, the schist accumulates and releases heat, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and progressively.
In spring 2016, I prepared the first “Aurore” plot with the aim of improving the physico-chemical characteristics of the soil as much as possible for wine growing. At the time, I didn’t yet realise what hard work and ingenuity it took to “force nature to give what it would never have offered man of its own accord” (Roger Dion, Histoire de la vigne et du vin en France, 1952).
It took a fierce will and unfailing determination to reveal this terroir: shaped by my hand, watered by the heavens and nourished by the earth. I’ve had to deal with the climate and the many pitfalls associated with learning how to cultivate the land. François’ support, kindness and experience were the foundations of our success.
Two-thousand-and-nine marks the first harvest from the “Aurore” plot, discreet and shy, confidential and promising. This first harvest marks the start of a new apprenticeship, which will take place in the depth and freshness of the cellars of the Loire, and from 2022, in the austere vitality of a barn on the Mas estate, which has been converted into a wine storehouse. The first vintage will be 100% Repaire Mas-Ségur.
1. Repaire Mas-Ségur, 2. ‘Aurore’ plot,
3. Remains of the Château du Mas,
4. “Apogée” plot, 5. “Ferréol” plot,
6. “Arédius” plot, 7. “Eloy” plot,
8. “Vespéral” plot,
9. Le petit Mas, 10. Castrum de Ségur-le-château
“Aurore” plot
Planted in spring 2017
Surface area: 0.8 ha
Grape variety: Chenin blanc
Natural weeding
Planting density: 5,600 vines/ha
Yield: 30 to 40 hl/ha
Hand-picked in containers
“Apogée” plot
Planted in spring 2021
Surface area: 1.7 ha
Grape variety: Chenin blanc
Natural weeding
Planting density: 7,800 vines/ha
Yield: 40 to 50 hl/ha
Hand-picked in containers
“Ferréol” plot
Planted in spring 2022
Surface area: 0.5 hectares
Grape varieties: Gamay and Pineau d’Aunis
Natural weeding
Planting density: 7,800 vines/ha
Yield: 30 to 40 hl/ha
Hand-picked in containers
