EMMANUEL HAGET
Saumur Puy Notre Dame
Loire
Emmanuel worked for 20 years as a geophysical engineer, before starting training with Jacky and Véronique Ripoche of Domaine des Noades. In October 2016 he had the opportunity to take over in part of the vineyards of Philippe Gourdon, one of the forerunners of biodynamic viticulture in the Saumur region. 2017 showed the results of his first vintage.
Today the estate covers 3.8 hectares, spread over 5 plots in and around the village of Puy Notre Dame. The soils are predominantly clay-limestone but each parcel offers slight different compositions between one and another, meaning for great diversity across the range Emmanuel produces.
Fermentations begin under the action of the indigenous yeasts present in the cellar. The macerations are generally rather short for the Pineau d’Aunis, whilst can last more than 20 days for the Cabernet, but always with sensible handling and gentle extraction.
Palabres
Vintage 2023
Style Red
Region Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame
Varieties Pineau d’Aunis
ABV 12.5%
Soils Silt, Clay, Sand, Chalk
Farming Biodynamic
Winemaking Palabres comes from Manu’s tiny 0.8ha parcel Clos St Jacques which has been re-planted in 2012 in its entirety. Grapes are macerated on the skins for 8 days before pressing, sugars are then finished in tank where the wine stays for 7-8 months. No fining nor filtering.
Tasting Note A bright and racy red that toes the line between a light red and a dark rose. Redcurrant, wild raspberry, sour cherry and that unmistakably peppery quality.
Loustic
Vintage 2023
Style Red
Region Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame
Varieties Cabernet Franc, Pineau d’Aunis
ABV 13%
Soils Silt, Clay, Sand, Flint, Chalk
Farming Biodynamic
Winemaking The fruit comes from the older vines planted in the Les Vigneaux lieu-dit for the Cabernet Franc. The Pineau d’Aunis’ juice is blended with whole clusters of Cabernet Franc grapes when they arrive. Grapes are macerated for 6 days before pressing, sugars are then finished in tank where the wine stays for 7-8 months. No fining nor filtering.
Tasting Note Crunchy blackcurrants and blueberry fruit lend to aromatic herbs and and crushed green pepper notes. The palate it is light and lifted and light enough invite and chill.
Clos Messemé
Vintage 2020
Style Red
Region Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame
Varieties Cabernet Franc
ABV 13%
Soils Silt, Clay, Sand, White chalk
Farming Biodynamic
Winemaking Grapes come from the Clos Messemé vineyard in the heart of Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame. Vines here are approximately 25 years old and delve deep into the chalky soils. Fruit is fully de-stemmed and undergoes a 24-day maceration with light daily pump overs. It is aged for 12 months in old barrels and a further 4 months in tank between racking and bottling.
Tasting Note This has an attractive fruit-forward nose with notes of dark cherry and spice. Clear cut with a distinctive mineral finish.
Chant du Monde
Vintage 2018
Style Red
Region Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame
Varieties Cabernet Franc
ABV 13.5%
Soils Sandy loam, Flint, Chalky sand, Marl
Farming Biodynamic
Winemaking The fruit comes from the older vines planted in the Les Vigneaux lieu-dit. Spontaneously fermented using indigenous yeasts with the skins for 22 days, with light pumping over throughout. Ageing is in old barrels and lasts 12 months, followed by a further 6 months in tank after racking and prior to bottling.
Tasting Note Chant du Monde is a deep and powerful expression of Cabernet. The nose is packed with dark fruit, spices and minty notes. Tannins are ripe and velvety whilst the generous palate is balanced by a long saline finish.
Hydropathe
Vintage 2023
Style Red
Region Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame
Varieties Pineau d’Aunis
ABV 12.5%
Soils Silt, Clay, Sand, Chalk
Farming Biodynamic
Winemaking The whole bunches of Pineau d’Aunis undergo carbonic maceration in tank which lasts for 12 days until the sugar have finished. The wine rests in tank for 8 months before bottling. Unfiltered, unfined and produced exclusively in magnums (150cl).
Tasting Note This is a rather limited and special bottling from Manu’s older vines of Pineau d’Aunis. There’s a beautiful tension about this wine, with wild strawberry and intensely peppery notes. On the palate it shows amazing depth and character.