Château de Brissac
Known as a ‘giant’ amongst châteaux, Brissac is the tallest in France! With 7 floors and 204 rooms, it deserves its notoriety. Today it is the home of 13th Duke of Brissac and his family and has been a part of his family since 1502!
Set in parkland that alternates between open large space and shade, the Château de Brissac is an amazing spectacle. Its dazzling decor and gold leaf ceiling frescos competing with precious memorabilia stretching back over the centuries alongside antique furniture.
Wine has always played an important part in everyday life at the château. Today, it has 28 hectares (nearly 70 acres) under cultivation producing three quite distinct AOC wines with the label of ‘Château de Brissac’.
Founded: 1502
Owner: René de Cossé
Grape Varieties: Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grolleau Noir
Vineyard Location: Anjou
Vineyard Size: 26 hectares
HOW WE MET
It all started with Charles Sydney, perhaps one of the leading Loire Valley specialists and advocates. Charles is an expatriate that has been championing Loire Valley for many years and he was introduced to me by fellow MW, Tim Marson. Since then Charles has retired but in the capable hands of Chris Hardy and Alex Meunier we continue to have access to some of the most thrilling Loire Valley wines including Couly-Dutheil, a benchmark Chinon producer and Crémant de Brissac.
Quick Facts on Crémant de Loire
HISTORY: The Loire Valley has a long tradition of producing excellent sparkling wines. The Crémant de Loire AOC was introduced by INAO, along with strict specification governing its production, standardizing Crémant production across the country.
TODAY: Popularity of Loire Valley wines with sommeliers and wine writers continues to rise. Loire Valley wines share important characteristics that make them perfect for contemporary taste such as moderate alcohol, refreshing acidity & minerality with pure varietal expression.
TERROIR: Temperate oceanic; mainly dry with minor variations in temperature – the proverbial “douceur angevine” the mild tranquillity of Anjou. Chardonnay & Chenin Blanc are the main varietals used and the soil types vary from schist to limestone/chalk.