Domaine des 7 Lieues, France
Their Touraine vineyards are spread over 7 municipalities (Dierre, Saint-Martin-le-Beau, Athée-sur-Cher, Bléré, La-Croix-en-Touraine, Civray-de-Touraine and Francueil) all within a radius of 20-35km, which corresponds to 7 leagues … an ancient measurement of distances used in France prior to adopting the metric system … and inspiring the name.
Viticulture
The estate demands the highest level of sustainability practices throughout, from the vineyards, through to the winery, from their employees, to the wider community and has been awarded Level 3 of the Haute Valeur Environnementale certification. In the vineyards, growers are encouraged to focus on quality rather than yield and this can easily be recognized in the wines.
Winemaking
There is an emphasis towards riper styles and more modern vinification, with fermentation carried out in a combination of epoxy lined concrete vats and temperature controlled stainless steel. Pressing is by pneumatic press, separating the juice from different pressings. After a cold stabilisation, the whites are cool-fermented on the lees for added complexity, resulting in classic ‘Loire’ Sauvignons with a typical argilo-calcaire minerality.
- Certified with Haute Valeur Environnementale, France’s highest sustainability accreditation.
- Their wines offer greater richness and presence due to the assemblage from 7 of the Val de Cher’s premium sites.
- Expressive Loire Sauvignon Blanc with a typical argilo-calcaire minerality from this famous terroir.