In the heart of the Loire Valley, in Chacé, just a few kilometres southeast of Saumur, Fabien Duveau leads a historic family estate with conviction and finesse. What began in the 18th century with Florent Duveau has now passed through eight generations. Fabien, who took over from his father in 2008, quite literally grew up in the cellar, learning the trade from both his father and grandfather. After internships in Bergerac, Saint-Émilion, and Napa Valley, he returned home with a clear mission: to craft authentic wines rooted in their terroir—wines that bring joy above all.
The estate’s 40 vineyard parcels are spread across clay and limestone soils, underpinned by the iconic tuffeau—a soft, white limestone that defines the Saumur-Champigny appellation. This unique subsoil lends the wines their finesse, freshness, and mineral texture. Deeply committed to biodiversity and the expression of place, Fabien has worked organically since 2008, holding both Ecocert and Demeter certifications. His approach blends common-sense farming, close observation, and biodynamic practices—not as a strict doctrine, but as an instinctive respect for the natural relationships between soil, plant, and people.
A distinctive asset of the estate is its collaboration with the legendary Clos Rougeard. Several parcels, including the famed ‘Les Poyeux’, are shared with this emblematic estate. Uniquely, Fabien is the only one to produce a white wine from this lieu-dit, thanks to 0.08 hectares of old chenin blanc vines that were never uprooted amidst the cabernet franc.
The wines are aged in a majestic 14th-century limestone cellar—a timeless, subterranean space where barrels, amphorae, and bottles evolve in peace. Each vintage is a new chapter, shaped by the energy of the land and the dedication of a small but passionate team—Fabien, his wife Emmanuelle, and two vineyard workers.
Domaine Fabien Duveau’s wines stand out for their clarity, precision, and outstanding value. These are not technical wines, but pure, sincere expressions of place, vintage, and craftsmanship.
2 products
2 products
