Domaine du Pré Baron, Touraine, France

DOMAINE PRÉ BARON, TOURAINE AT ITS BEST

The Mardon family settled in Oisly at the beginning of the 20th century. For five generations, they have been working very dedicatedly on the quality of the wines for almost 20 years . Through knowledge and dynamism in the winemaking process, Guy Mardon and his son J ean-Luc are trying to further expand the domaine. The domain has now expanded to an area of approximately 45 hectares of land; this land is mainly cultivated with Sauvignon Blanc; approximately 20 hectares of land is 'covered' with Sauvignon Blanc. The special terroir gives the grape here an unprecedented freshness and refinement.

A TOUR(S) THROUGH TOURAINE

The history of wine growing around Touraine goes back a long way. The Romans planted vineyards here. The development of wine growing continued in the 4th century under the rule of the Bishop of Tours, Saint Martin. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the government settled in Amboise and Blois, which made Touraine wines more widely known. During this period, the vineyard in Oisly was created, where Domaine du Pré Baron has its vineyards. Touraine used to be an independent French province, located in the middle of the country around the Loire River. The capital of Touraine is Tours. In 1790, the province was divided into the departments of Indre-et-Loire , Loire-et-Cher and Indre . These departments are now part of the region of central France. Touraine is located in the heart of a vast wine region between Sancerre and the Atlantic Ocean. Local wine lists feature a dozen AOC wines, including reds (Chinon, Bourgueil), whites (Vouvray), sparkling wines and liqueurs. Follow the signs of the Route des Vins and visit the wine estates.

PRE BARON, PRE NATURE

Domaine Pré Baron is affiliated with the Terra Vitis group. Terra Vitis is a national federation of farmers, cooperatives, wine merchants and authorities in the field of agriculture and the environment in France . Terra Vitis realizes “production viticole raisonnée”; sensible, decent viticulture with respect for people and nature. This also applies to supporter Pré Baron, who strives for environmentally friendly viticulture without the use of pesticides.

MORE ABOUT OISLY

Oisly is also the place where the well-known Sauvignon originated (1905). At that time, the grape was called 'Surin'. Due to the fragrant aroma, the popularity of this wine reached unprecedented proportions and its fame spread throughout Northern Europe. The area has one of the best terroirs of Touraine and is also known for its idyllic location amidst famous Châteaux, including those of Châteaux de la Loire, Blois, Chenonceau, Chambord and Cheverny. Oisly is located between the famous rivers Loire and Cher. The area has one of the best terroirs of Touraine . The climate in Oisly has continental features, moderated by the influence of the Atlantic Ocean; warm sunny summers with relatively little rain. The soil retains this rain (when it falls) quite well, because it consists mainly of sand and gravel. Ideal conditions for the ripening of aromatic grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and Gamay, Cabernet Franc grows better in soils with slightly more siliceous soil. These can also be found around Oisly.