RSJ's 30th anniversary: 1980-2010

2010 was a very special year for us as the RSJ Restaurant celebrated its 30th year. We held a number of special events through the year to mark our 30th birthday.

36th Year: 1980-2016

Another milestone with events happening during our 36th anniversary year.




Monday, October 16, 2017

Château de Villeveuve (Saumur) – magnificent new cellars

 Front of the new Château de Villeneuve winery 


Recently we dropped in on Florence and Jean-Pierre Chevallier at Château de Villeneuve in Souzay-Champigny. Jean-Pierre had time to show us quickly round their new winery, which uses the amazing cellars/caves that run under the château. The caves are extensive and remarkably dry. 

In 1969 they were sold to the Pays Nantais négociant Santejeau, which is now part of Castel Frères. Later they were used by the Saumur sparkling wine house, Veuve Amiot. Then 15 years ago Jean-Pierre bought them back and has now renovated them. Previously his wine-making facilities were above Château de Hureau a little under two kilometres further west towards Saumur. 

Jean-Pierre is currently renting his old winemaking facility at Hureau to Patrice Rétif, who used to be one of the partners in Domaine des Champs Fleuris in Turquant. Patrice with his wife Catherine now has his own domaine – Domaine des Damoiselles.

The entrance to the winery is on the 
main road from Chinon to Saumur.  

Looking down on the winery 
with the caves under the château


Fermentation tanks
(above and below)


 CRM and Jean-Pierre inspect some foudres

 New barrels 

 A couple of eggs

 
The extensive cellars
(above and below)

Root growing down through fissures in the rock

Me and my shadow

Cave privée
Sorting the just picked 2017 Cabernet Franc 
for Saumur-Champigny 
(above and below)













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