Chateau Yvonne Val de Loire Bay Rouge 2022
We have 6 in stock (Inventory is live and accurate)
The Land
Located in the historic village of Parnay, Château Yvonne sits on limestone-clay soils that have been cultivated for centuries, tracing their origins back to the monks of the Abbaye de Fontevraud. The southwest-facing vineyards, home to Pineau d'Aunis vines aged between 20 and 50 years, benefit from optimal sunlight exposure, while the cool breezes from the Loire River provide balance and freshness. The limestone soils, rich in minerals, contribute a distinctive vibrancy and structure to the wine, while the dry, sunny conditions of the 2022 vintage helped concentrate flavors in this rare and expressive grape.
The Wine
A pure expression of 100% Pineau d'Aunis, Bay Rouge 2022 is a rare gem from the Loire Valley. The wine is made using a combination of whole-cluster and destemmed grapes, undergoing 10 days of carbonic maceration and spontaneous fermentation in concrete tanks with native yeasts. The result is an aromatic wine bursting with red fruit—think wild strawberries and raspberries—alongside floral notes and a characteristic hint of white pepper, typical of Pineau d'Aunis. The wine’s texture is light yet structured, with fine, persistent tannins and a lively acidity. After 12 months of aging in large foudres, Bay Rouge shows depth, purity, and an earthy minerality that speaks of the vineyard’s limestone origins. Unfined and unfiltered, it retains a natural clarity and vibrancy.
The People
Château Yvonne’s story is as rich as its wines. The domaine’s vineyards date back to the Middle Ages, with winemaking at the château documented since 1813. In 1997, Yvonne and Jean-François Lamunière revived the estate with the help of Françoise Foucault, transforming it into one of Saumur’s top producers. Since 2007, Matthieu Vallée has carried on this legacy, honoring the work of his predecessors while elevating the estate’s reputation. Under Matthieu’s leadership, the estate, which includes 3 hectares of Chenin Blanc and 8 hectares of Cabernet Franc, continues to thrive. Farmed organically since 1997, the vineyards are spread across over 30 parcels, with some of the best located in the famed "La Côte" plateau overlooking the Loire River. With Val de Loire Bay Rouge, Matthieu adds yet another remarkable wine to his collection, showcasing his passion for organic farming, traditional methods, and the rare Pineau d'Aunis grape.
We ship wine to most states with a $100 minimum order for shipping. We don't ship spirits nor beer.
Weather shipping advisory: Orders placed during times of extreme heat or extreme cold will be held for no charge until more favorable weather returns.
The Loire Valley, often referred to as the "Garden of France," is a revered wine region that stretches along the Loire River, producing an array of distinct wines, including the crisp, sea-breeze influenced Muscadet near the Atlantic coast, the versatile and expressive Chenin Blanc in regions like Vouvray and Anjou, the elegantly fragrant Cabernet Franc from Chinon and Bourgueil, and the minerally complex Sauvignon Blanc-based Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé from its eastern vineyards. This is a reflection of the valley's varied terroir and climate, which together foster the creation of wines that are celebrated for their finesse, diversity, and food-friendliness.
