The domaine
Philosophy:
Values and commitments
Respecting our roots
As we recounted in the “history” of the Estate, “Ménard-Gaborit” also represents men and women who have left their mark and identity on over 2 centuries of local history and the evolution of the winemaking profession in the Nantes vineyards. As the 6th generation, we are committed to our family, traditions, territory, and our Muscadet. We now aim to leave our “imprint” on the Ménard-Gaborit Estate.
Our experiences, travels, and convictions have shaped us and opened our minds to the world. We adopt a different perspective on your profession, its joys, its challenges, work methods, the life of a winemaker, the cuvées we love to create, and consumption trends. With humility and exacting standards, we continue the history of the Domaine Ménard-Gaborit.
Respect for life
Deeply committed to respecting the environment and biodiversity, we have chosen to manage the estate using Organic Agriculture, and today, all our vines are certified. Organic Agriculture is demanding; every action, every decision influences the vine and hence the future harvests. “We reason through every action to not follow a systematic logic but rather a logic adapted to the vine’s needs.” As soon as the spring and frost risks have passed, we plow our soils (spring disking, discs, and blades). No chemical products are used in our vineyards.
Our treatments are natural to preserve biodiversity and ensure soil respect. For some years now, we have been using plant decoctions (horsetail, willow…). These preparations strengthen the vine’s immune system. The use of aromatherapy (essential oils) also helps us combat fungal diseases (mildew, powdery mildew). From the vineyard to the cellar, including the manual harvesting of some of our plots, it’s meticulous work brought by the entire team to magnify our Melon B, Chardonnay, Folle Blanche, and Gamay grapes. We aim to go much further in our commitment to respecting life, gradually moving towards biodynamics, launching various projects simultaneously.
ECO-GRAZING
We recently introduced eco-grazing in our vineyards. A new project that naturally fits into considering biodiversity. This allows us to facilitate soil work in spring and also provide organic matter, rich in nitrogen, essential for the vine’s proper development.
VEGETAL COVER CROPS
We implement cover crops (rye, mustard, faba bean, peas…) to let our soils rest, help them regenerate and structure while creating biodiversity and organic matter. Do less but better. That is our motto!
Mutual aid
Support, and exchange are essential values for us. “Why not create an association of young winemakers like in Alsace or Burgundy?” This question was raised by François and other colleagues and led to the initiative of the association of young winemakers from Nantes.
. In the age of social networks and “virtual” relationships, we deeply believe in the power of the “collective” and the bond that unites us to move forward together in a positive energy and to enhance the Muscadet appellation.
We share our experiences, discuss common issues (frost, innovations, group purchases…) and this is beneficial for everyone. We are not competitors; we are colleagues and proud to be so!
Doing less but better, that’s our motto!
