The Plou family has grown vines in Chargé, near Amboise since 1508, in the heart of the Loire Valley, historic area renowned for its Châteaux and its beautiful landscapes. Five centuries of passing down the secrets of each parcel from one generation to the next, mostly oral history of viticulture and winemaking.
The estate vineyards now stretch over 75 hectares, the soil is mainly composed of limestone and clay. The vineyard spreads over slopes and plateau of various expositions. The sub-soil is chalky, called “Tuffeau”, it is 50 meters deep, retaining water and freshness. The climate is mild, influenced by the proximity of the Atlantic ocean, the Loire river and the large forests of
Sologne.
Vines are planted at high density (6600 vines per hectare). Cover crop is used between the vine rows to favor wildlife, absorb excess rainfall and restrict the yields. Pruning, trimming and leaf management, done to get optimal ripening. In difficult vintages, green harvest is also used to get more homogeneous quality. Sustainable approach of vineyard disease management, “sexual confusion” to deter insects in order to limit treatments. Ploughing rather than use of herbicide.