The Cold in the Vineyards…
At Château du Fresne, winter settles in, and with it, outdoor activity seems to slow down. Deliveries are paused, and the harvesting machinery, symbol of the hustle and bustle of harvest, is carefully stored away for the year. However, this apparent calm doesn’t mean that the work stops! In fact, winter marks the beginning of another season: pruning. This crucial task requires precision and patience, as it shapes the future of the vineyard. Despite facing low temperatures and morning frost, the team continues to work outdoors. The biting cold is actually beneficial for the vines at this time of they year, as it prepares it for the coming spring.
The Activity in the Winery…
In the winery, some of our wines from the most recent harvest are undergoing cold stabilization, a process that helps preserve their freshness, or are in the filtration process – an essential step to remove impurities and clarify the wine. Bottling preparations are underway, marking the end of the winemaking process and the start of selling season.
The wines from previous vintages continue their maturation on lees – the “Marquis de Gilbourg” – or age gently in barrels – the “Chevalier le Bascle”. Depending on the desired result, this maturation process is crucial to giving Château du Fresne wines the depth and richness that will define their unique character.
Immersion Through Tasting
At the winery, we welcome off-season visitors who wish to (re)discover the Anjou region, the Loire Valley wine route, or the great Châteaux of the Loire. Wine tastings continue, offering visitors an authentic experience of the terroir, an immersion in local flavors, and a wonderful opportunity to familiarize themselves with the wines of our estate and meet us at the winery in Faye d’Anjou.