Xavier Amirault of the Domaine Amirault will be at Cardwell Cellars pouring a lineup of wines from his estate. This will be a veritable masterclass on the wines of St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, biodynamic viticulture, and Cabernet Franc.

Xavier and Agnès Amirault are the latest generation to nurture the Clos des Quarterons Estate, family-run for 180 years. Cabernet Franc is the dominant variety; the emphasis is on elegance and finesse. In addition, the family have a little over a hectare of Chenin Blanc, planted on gravel and siliceous soils.

Clos des Quarterons lies on a road running parallel to the Loire in Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil which used to be known as “Suisse-Océan”, underlining its position on a major east-west trading route. Their 36 hectares of vineyards are spread over 53 different plots in the heart of the Loire Valley on what was a river bed and even further back, a sea bed. As you will hear from any passionate vigneron, Xavier talks first and foremost about their land and soils, and their role in nurturing them for future generations of winemakers. They have vineyards on twelve distinct layers of subsoils, with veins of sand, gravel, limestone, clay and flint.

We’ll taste—

NV La Ferme des Fontaines Pet’Night Blanc
2022 Bourgueil Le Clos de la Gaucherie
2020 St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil Rouge Les Quarterons
2022 St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil Rouge Les Quarterons
2015 St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil Rouge Les Gravilices
2020 St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil Rouge Le Fondis

In addition, Xavier will show three additional wines that will be available for purchase by the glass—

NV Crémant de Loire Blanc Brut Les Quarterons
2016 St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil Rouge Le Fondis
2018 St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueill Rouge Le Vau Renou

The format will be informal and you'll have Xavier's attention no matter when you drop in during the four hours that he'll be here.

A glimpse of the estate: https://youtu.be/JDudl-qCpKM?si=ZsbI2EdtTnMRJJRh