Natalia et Margot
Champ-sur-Layon
Loire
Though originally from different parts of France, Margot Rousseau-Petit and Natalia Santo share a common background. Before venturing into the world of natural wine, both worked in film and event production. Their journey led them to Anjou in 2015, where they eventually put down roots.
Margot initially pursued oenology studies with the goal of deepening her understanding of viticulture and winemaking. However, her encounters with a number of visionary vignerons making wines she instantly connected with reshaped her path. She soon left her studies to fully immerse herself in hands-on experience, training under none other than Thomas Batardière. His mentorship proved pivotal - Thomas not only guided her but also entrusted her with a small plot of Grolleau and Gamay. This gave Margot and Natalia, who had joined her in this new pursuit, the opportunity to produce their first wine in 2017. Red wines were their initial focus, and still is, before they had the change to get their hands on 1ha of Chenin, the variety for which the region is so renowned. Besides Batardière, they have also sought out experiences with other experienced winemakers, from Tessa Laroche to Benoît Courault.
Having established themselves in the area, they have fully embraced their surroundings, becoming part of the local community and true students of wine. Natalia is now also a co-organiser of Les Anonymes, the annual wine salon held in Angers where they first presented their wines. Today, the domaine extends across 5 hectares of exclusively owned vineyards, with 3 hectares currently in production. The vineyards are planted with Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Grolleau, Gamay and, soon-to-come Pineau d’Aunis.
During our trip to the Loire earlier this year, we visited Margot and Natalia at their new winery. The site now provides far greater space and flexibility, along with new equipment, including a pneumatic press (until now, the wines had been pressed using a manual press) and, for the first time, barrels. This additional capacity has allowed them to experiment further, including with ageing in wood to bring texture and complexity.
We were fortunate to visit at exactly the right time, allowing us to taste both tank samples as well as newly bottled wines due for release from the 2024 vintage. Together, they offered a fascinating insight into the journey the domaine has taken, where the project is heading, and just how beautifully these wines can evolve with time in bottle.
Margot describes their winemaking as driven by intuition, instinct and emotion. The 2024 vintage was a cool and wet year, and naturally a challenging one. By a fortunate twist of fate, their small white vineyard plot produced more wine than their larger red plantings. The resulting wines are vivid and energetic, with low alcohol levels and bright, refreshing acidity.
Salve
Vintage 2023
Style White
Region Champ-sur-Layon, Anjou
Varieties Chenin Blanc
Soils Clay, Limestone, Silex, Schist
Farming Organic
ABV
Winemaking
Tasting Note Refined Chenin Blanc, packed with spiced citrus fruit, red apple and nutty undertones. A flinty subtle reduction brings everything together.
Danses de Travers
Vintage 2022
Style White
Region Champ-sur-Layon, Anjou
Varieties Chenin Blanc
Soils Clay, Limestone, Silex, Schist
Farming Organic
ABV
Winemaking
Tasting Note
Bathyscape
Vintage 2022
Style Orange
Region Champ-sur-Layon, Anjou
Varieties Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc
Soils Clay, Limestone, Silex, Schist
Farming Organic
ABV
Winemaking
Tasting Note
Majarico
Vintage 2024
Style Red
Region Champ-sur-Layon, Anjou
Varieties Gamay
Soils Red Sand, Schist
Farming Organic
ABV
Winemaking Wine made from 40 year old vines. Fruit is hand harvested and fermented with indigenous yeasts The grapes undergo a week of semi-carbonic maceration with gentle pump-overs before ageing in tank for eight months.
Tasting Note Vibrant light red, pure raspberry and cranberry fruit finishing on a beautiful saline crisp finish.
La Houle
Vintage 2022
Style
Region Champ-sur-Layon, Anjou
Varieties Grolleau, Gamay
Soils Clay, Limestone, Silex, Schist
Farming Organic
ABV
Winemaking
Tasting Note
La Fosse Aux Loups
Vintage 2024
Style Red
Region Champ-sur-Layon, Anjou
Varieties Cabernet Franc
Soils Clay, Limestone, Silex, Schist
Farming Organic
ABV
Winemaking Fruit comes from a 65 years old parcel of Cabernet Franc. The whole bunches undergo a two week semi-carbonic maceration before resting in stainless steel tanks for eight months.
Tasting Note The 2024 vintage is definitely much lighter and mineral than the previous year, with beautiful blueberry fruit, green pepper and violet undertones. Crunchy texture.