In Mayenne. A record year and a wine that evolves at Domaine de la Morinière

It’s a record-breaking birthday year. For the 25th anniversary of the return of vines to Mayenne, Domaine de la Morinière, located in Saint-Denis d’Anjou, produced 7,900 bottles of wine. Tasting of this 2023 vintage with volunteers from ARVEM, the association for the renewal of a vineyard in Mayenne.

Smells of carnations and citron compote

They had a keen eye when, in 1998, these volunteers decided to replant vines in Mayenne. “In the 18th century, there were up to 500 hectares of vines. The disappearance of this estate can be explained by phylloxera, but also because the Mayenne wine growers were also farmers. IThey chose an easy solution with cereals rather than working the vines well. Saint-Denis d’Anjou was considered the northern vineyards and with global warming, Saint-Denis d’Anjou will be at the crossroads of success“, recalls Roger Guédon, honorary mayor of Saint-Denis d’Anjou and volunteer.

Credit : Alexis Vellayoudom

Today, the thirty or so volunteers are pampered, in all circumstances, the 4,000 vines and this Chenin grape variety which givesthis year, a straw yellow color and lime tree reflections. “It’s clearer than last year. The alcohol content is lower. It is 12° this year and was 13° last year so that must play a little role. It’s a dry tender, but in this case, I find it very tender“notes Roger Guédon.

Credit : Alexis Vellayoudom

Vinified in La Pommeray at the Château de Putille of the Delaunay family in Maine-et-Loire, the wine has also suffered the effects of climate change, “we tend to have more sunshine so our alcohol level improves. Initially, we had a very dry wine, and now it tends to be a little less dry over time.“, specifies Didier Potrais, president of ARVEM. After aeration, the wine releases all its flavors, “there is a scent of carnation and citron compote, it’s lemon compote“, underlines Didier. “It can be taken as an aperitif with toast. It can also be taken with cheese. It goes very well with fishbut obviously seafood“.

7,900 bottles, a record

This year, ARVEM is breaking a new record with 7,900 bottles produced on which fans will be able to discover a colorful label, created again by the artist Martine Charlot. “The harvest was great because there is humidity in the spring. The vine benefited from it. Around August, September, there was a little more sun, which gave this quality of wine and what gives the alcohol at harvest time., confides Didier Potrais. “Generally, at the end of June, we no longer have any“, says Didier. Fortunately, defenders of Mayenne know-how will be able to buy this vintage, sold at €8 per bottle and €45 per box of six bottles, at the Salon du Vin in Laval, from May 3 to 5. You can also find Mayenne wine at certain wine merchants and restaurateurs in the department.