“Mark Angeli decided to go agains the local rules to produce a dry white wine in a sweet wine appellation.”
Soil Specificity
The large variety of soils in the Loire Valley is characterised by diverse natural environments. This region can be sub-divided in four climates, from western coastal regions to inlands - Pays Nantais / Anjou-Saumur / Touraine / Central Vineyards. In Anjou-Saumur, the soils are divided in two different types: the dark schist soils on the southeast edge of the Massif Armoricain and the white limestone chalk soils.
History / Ethos
Ferme de la Sansonnière was purchased in 1990 by Mark Angeli. This 7 hectare estate is made of plots in Anjou, Coteaux-du-Layon and Bonnezeaux appellation. Coteaux-du-Layon and Bonnezeaux can only be claimed as AOC for the production of sweet moëlleux or liquoreux wines every year. Mark Angeli decided to produce dry white wines from Chenin Blanc and left the appellation system. All the wines are now produced under the “Vin de France” appellation giving Mark more freedom. His holistic farming style has resulted in strong vines that produce perfectly-ripened, healthy grapes which he ferments to as dry a style as possible, with of course some vintage variations.