Langlois-Chateau Wines
Edouard Langlois was born in Saumur in 1873. He became a winemaker at
St-Hilaire-St-Florent. At the age of 23, he married a 19 year old Jeanne
Chateau who came from Vendée.
In August 1912, the couple formed the company Maison Langlois-Chateau
at St-Hilaire-St-Florent. They had the help of Baron de Bodman who was
the owner of an adjoining vineyard and also the owner of Château
de St-Florent. The Baron was a key figure in the early days of Langlois-Chateau
as it gave Edouard and Jeanne access to land and buildings including
many cellars.
TheDrinkShop.com
: Langlois-Chateau Wines
History
From the very beginning, Langlois-Chateau has specialized in the production
of “sparkling wines”. Business started off extremely well
however this was brutally interrupted by the tragic death of Edouard
Langlois in World War I. He died at the the age of 42 and was awarded
the Croix de Guerre (Military Cross). His young widow took over the
management of the business and was later aided by her son Alexis, and
her son-in-law Maurice.
In 1973, the Champagne House Bollinger acquired the majority ownership
of Langlois-Chateau. Bollinger recognised the quality of wines and Michel
Villedey, a son-in-law of the Bollinger family, became the president
and was assisted by Jean Leroux who was a son of Maurice. The company
grew rapidly and created new vineyards at Saumur, Saumur-Champigny and
Sancerre. Recently the company has developed its original site at St-Hilaire
St-Florent which overlooks the Loire. They have introduced new presses,
storage, cellars as well as reception, all of which are right next to
the vineyards. Even with this new development, Langlois-Chateau still
use wine making techniques dating back to 1885.
Vineyards and Vitification
Langlois-Chateau has perfect soil for producing high quality grapes.
The are 73 hectares of vineyards and the soil is mostly chalky/clay
and limestone which is locally known as 'tuffeau'. The two main grape
varieties are Chenin, for the white and sparkling wines and Cabernet
Franc, for the red wines. In 1975 the area gained the prestigious AOC
(Appellation d’origine contrôlée) certification.
Crémant de Loire is one of the most demanding appellations, grapes
are harvested by hand and the ageing process in the cellars is much
longer than in other areas.
Langlois-Chateau has always prided itself for using natural processes
alongside cutting-edge technology. The team have always had a great
respect for their environment, so much so that they were one of the
first wine makers to obtain the Terra Visits label. This label is only
given to wine makers who adhere to strict set of rules, the end result
is the production of high quality grapes whilst preserving the environment.
LANGLOIS-CHATEAU - Cabernet de Saumur, La Bretonniere Rose Sec 2006
Grape Type: 100% Cabernet Franc.
ABV: 12%
Tasting Notes: Exceptionally summery dry Rosè made wholly from
selected Cabernet Franc vines. Offers a wealth of raspberry fruit and
a fresh, leafy character.
Serving Suggestion: A wonderful wine for light salads, chèvre
chaud (or other goat's and sheep's cheeses), or fresh fruit.
On Special Offer - Was £9.26 - Now £8.04
LANGLOIS-CHATEAU - Cremant de Loire Brut
Grape Type: 60% Chenin Blanc, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Chardonnay.
ABV: 12.5%
Tasting Notes: Vibrant and racy fruit, bready yeast flavours and zesty
appley freshness is accompanied by the waxed-lemon flavours of Chenin
Blanc - a variety so clearly suited for sparkling production due to
its fine acidity. The fifth Chardonnay adds fruitiness and depth.
Serving Suggestion: Ideal as an aperitif or as a dessert, fantastic
for toasting a special occasion.
On Special Offer - Was £11.96 - Now £10.37
LANGLOIS-CHATEAU - Cremant de Loire Rose
Grape Type: 100% Cabernet Franc.
ABV: 12.5%
Tasting Notes: A fruity intense nose with touches of red fruits. The
flavours are of pure raspberry and blackcurrant with a freshness that
leaves a good many more illustrious sparkling Rosés standing.
Serving Suggestion: Fantastic with strawberries or almost any fruit
desser.
On Special Offer - Was £12.22 - Now £10.72
LANGLOIS-CHATEAU - Saumur Vielles Vignes, Cabernet Franc 2001
Grape Type: 100% Cabernet Franc.
ABV: 13%
Tasting Notes: Selected old vine parcels and extended maturation including
oak-ageing add an extra dimension of richness and velvetty texture to
the fresh cassis Cabernet fruit and redcurrant flavours.
Serving Suggestion: A wine worthy of red meat, game and fermented cheese.
On Special Offer - Was £13.09 - Now £11.32
LANGLOIS-CHATEAU - Saumur Vielles Vignes, Chenin Blanc 2003
Grape Type: 100% Chenin Blanc.
ABV: 13%
Tasting Notes: Honeyed and floral with powerful fruit, well-judged oak
and a herby hazelnut hint.
Serving Suggestion: The Saumur Blanc Vielles Vignes has a wonderful
ability to accompany diverse fish dishes, especially white fish in cream
sauces and where subsidiary flavours such as dill or almond become part
of the dish. It would be equally at home accompanying one of northern
France's soft ripe cheeses and will also pair well with oysters, scallops
and other seafood.
On Special Offer - Was £14.82 - Now £12.84
