It’s no secret that I love the landscape, people and wines of the Loire Valley. It was there that I fell in love with the country of France and learned to appreciate its magnificent wines so long ago. Last year, I had yet another opportunity to visit the Loire Valley, this time with my husband. We stayed at Chateau de Jalesnes, a luxurious spot in which to indulge in the French country lifestyle and a quick 20-minute drive from Saumur, a city known for its wines and perpetuation of the French equestrian tradition. A stone’s throw from Saumur is St. Hilaire-St. Florent, home to Bouvet Ladubay, an internationally renowned winery that offers notable wines and to my surprise, so much more.
Bouvet Ladubay was founded in 1851 when Etienne Bouvet and his wife Celestine Ladubay purchased several kilometers of underground caves of tuffeau stone in Saint Hilaire-Saint Florent, next to the town of Saumur. The caves were used as cellars for their new winery aptly named Bouvet Ladubay. Now, vineyards consist of over 1500 hectares located on the left bank of the Loire River and the left bank of the Thouet River. Thanks to the tuffeau stone over which clay and limestone soils are found, the distinctive wines express brilliant acidity and minerality. For a detailed and fascinating timeline of the history of Bouvet Ladubay from 1851 to the present, please click here.
One sunny day, my husband and I stopped by the tasting room at Bouvet Ladubay to swirl and sip a few wines we have always loved. It was a joy to taste the impressive and delicious selections, some of which I had enjoyed a year earlier in Chicago at a media event with Bouvet Ladubay’s CEO Juliette Monmousseau. After tasting, we looked forward to finding the wines in the States to share with friends.
Fast forward to a few weeks ago when Juliette was in Chicago once again. I was invited to enjoy a few sparkling wines with her and learn more about her latest endeavors. Naturally, I was ready for more sips and conversation.
Juliette Monmousseau at Bouvet Ladubay
Juliette is the daughter of Patrice Monmousseau and a fifth-generation member of a family who has had pivotal roles at the winery. Not only is she sharing her wines with wine lovers around the world and publicizing the quality of Bouvet Ladubay, I was excited to hear that she has taken the lead to link the winery with arts events around France.
Her story is compelling and inspirational. After graduating from the European School of Graphic Design of Angers in 1998, she settled in Paris to begin a career in advertising. In 1999 she joined the world of film distribution, first at Pyramide Films then Bacfilms, one of the biggest independent film distributors in France. In 2005, Juliette Monmousseau blended her passion for wine and film by starting her own business as an independent publicist. As an ardent promoter of wine and the arts, she has actively participated in organizing the event “Les Journées du Livre et du Vin” (National Days of Books and Wine), launched by Bouvet Ladubay in 1995. She has also orchestrated Bouvet Ladubay’s participation in a plethora of events in Paris, including cinema and theatre premiers, and at the Cannes Film Festival. For more about the Contemporary Art Center at Bouvet Ladubay, please view the video below.
A Sampling of Wines from Bouvet Ladubay
While corks of four absolutely delicious Bouvet Ladubay Crémant de Loire wines were popped, Juliette shared that “the thirst for bubbles is definitely there, but now there are so many options for the consumers who need help in navigating this broad offering.” Clearly, these affordable, food-friendly wines produced in the méthode traditionnelle (like Champagne, the second fermentation is in the bottle) are waiting to be poured during each festive moment as much as any day of the week! Consider the choices below as an aperitif or as a complement to salads, vegetarian dishes, seafood and fruit based or light desserts.
As the wines and conversation flowed, we tasted the Bouvet Ladubay NV Crémant de Loire (around $25). Of Chenin Blanc and just 20% Chardonnay from vineyards stretching from Touraine to Anjou, the profile exuded flavors of flowers, ripe pears, golden apples and hint of nuts.
The Bouvey Ladubay Saphir 2016 (around $25) is a Saumur Brut, one of the first designated appellations in the Loire Valley. Rules state that all Saumur Brut wines must be at least 60% Chenin Blanc. This example, a blend of 85% Chenin Blanc and 15% Chardonnay, showcases the vibrant minerality for which wines of Saumur are known. I discovered a full-bodied wine with intense notes of white flowers, honey, hazelnuts and ripe peaches on the nose and palate.
Finally, the Bouvey Ladubay NV Rosé ($15), a rosé of Cabernet Franc from vineyards in Touraine and Anjou. Juliette Monmousseau considers this a “staple of sparkling wine” and I have to agree. With its soft pink color, luscious aromas of raspberries, strawberries and peaches, the dancing bubbles lasted from the first pour to the last sip.
If you’ve never tasted Crémant de Loire or have already done so, explore those from Bouvey Ladubay. As I did with Juliette Monmousseau one morning, embrace one of the many aspects of the French lifestyle by pairing impressive wines with food and friends.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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