Le P'tit Domaine

Le P'tit Domaine is owned by Richard Desouche, who moved to Saumur in 1990. A wine enthusiast who had been in contact with the region’s finest winemakers, he embarked on his “wine adventure” in 2001 at a local wine merchant that supplied major retailers. His passion and thirst for knowledge drove him to get as close as possible to the wine—right alongside those who make it! Very soon, the opportunity arose to work for his brother-in-law, Didier Sanzay. He spent four years there, during which time he also earned a degree in viticulture and oenology. In 2006, he purchased the first hectare of vineyards for his P’tit Domaine, which now spans 2.5 hectares.

The cultivation practices at Le P’tit Domaine have gradually shifted from sustainable to Ecocert-certified organic, effective with the 2012 harvest. Le P’tit Domaine highlights two terroirs: “Les Bonneveaux” in the Saumur-Champigny appellation and “Entre Deux Voyes” in the Saumur appellation. Wine production follows traditional methods in stainless steel tanks, and aging takes place in barrels made without new wood to avoid overpowering the wines and to preserve the freshness of the fruit. Since 2007, Richard Desouche has also served as estate manager at Château de Chaintre, which is also located in the Saumur-Champigny appellation.