2.00pm-5.00pm
Open on the day:
Hosted by Chris Harag from Vintrepid, and free of charge.
'With each bottle, Benjamin Serer captures the essence of the vintage. His approach radiates sophistication, offering a thrilling taste of the Loire's rich diversity'.
In the rolling vineyards of the Loire Valley, Benjamin Serer has emerged as a winemaker of distinction, crafting wines that capture the very essence of their terroir. His philosophy is simple yet profound: to create expressive, food-focused wines through minimal intervention, allowing nature to take center stage. "Without great risk, you cannot achieve great rewards"—a belief that underpins his relentless pursuit of excellence and authenticity in every bottle.
Benjamin’s journey into winemaking is as rich and textured as the wines he produces. His early career was rooted in the world of haute cuisine, working as a chef under the legendary Alain Ducasse before opening his own brasserie in Tours. However, it was the allure of wine that ultimately captivated him, leading him to study oenology at the wine school in Amboise. There, he trained with esteemed vintners such as Mathieu Cosme, Vincent Carême, and Philippe Foreau of Clos Naudin, each shaping his understanding of Loire Valley viticulture.
In 2019, Benjamin took a bold step, transitioning fully into winemaking by renting several acres of old-vine Chenin Blanc in Vouvray. This marked the beginning of his own domaine, where he could fully realize his vision of crafting wines that speak of place, time, and tradition. Born and raised in this celebrated wine region, his connection to the land runs deep. His approach is deeply intuitive, embracing the Loire’s diverse terroirs while honoring the centuries-old heritage of its winemaking traditions.
At the heart of Benjamin’s winemaking philosophy is an unwavering commitment to sustainability and authenticity. His vineyards thrive under organic farming principles, with an emphasis on soil health and biodiversity. By eschewing chemical interventions, he allows the vines to develop naturally, producing fruit that is vibrant and full of character. "The less we interfere, the more the wine speaks for itself," he often says, a sentiment reflected in his hands-off approach in the cellar.
Benjamin employs spontaneous fermentation, using only native yeasts to highlight the true expression of his grapes. He minimizes sulfur use, believing that early additions can mute the wine’s natural vibrancy. Fermentations take place in stainless steel and neutral oak barrels, preserving purity while allowing the wines to develop depth and complexity. This meticulous yet restrained approach results in wines that are precise, elegant, and deeply expressive of their vintage.
Despite growing recognition, Benjamin remains dedicated to his craft rather than commercial accolades. He shuns conventional marketing in favor of building a dedicated following through the sheer quality of his wines. Discerning collectors and top restaurants alike have taken note, drawn to the purity and precision of his Chenin Blancs.
In each bottle, Benjamin Serer captures not just the terroir of the Loire Valley, but also the passion, patience, and daring spirit that define his approach. His wines invite drinkers to experience the beauty of minimal intervention winemaking—where nature, risk, and reward come together in perfect harmony.
The husband-and-wife team of Hervé and Caroline Maligne met while studying in Bordeaux. Despite no family connections to the wine trade, they’ve built impressive resumes in a relatively short time. After her studies, Caroline spent several years working at Chateau Lamothe in Bordeaux while Hervé, made wine in Saint-Emillion (Chateau Jean-Faure), Burgundy (Domaine Decelle & Fils), and the Roussillon (Mas Amiel) under the tutelage of Olivier Decelle.
With the goal of one day having their own Domaine, in late 2018 the young couple jumped at the opportunity to purchase a 16-hectare Domaine in the heart of the Saumur-Champigny appellation. Centered in the village of Varrains, the Domaine is spread over 33 individual plots, with an average vine age of 40 years. Their neighbors are a veritable who’s who of the greatest vignerons in the region – Antoine Sanzay, Thierry Germain, and Clos Rougeard.
The estate is comprised of 15-hectares of Cabernet Franc and 1-hectare of Chenin Blanc. To help finance the purchase of the Domaine, roughly half of the annual Cabernet Franc production is sold to the co-operative. The gems of the Domaine are the two single-vineyard Cabernet Francs from the famed parcels of Les Poyeux and Chaintres. The name, Sables Verts, or “green sand”, comes from the greenish sand present in many of the top vineyards of Saumur-Champigny, that is mixed with Clay-Limestone and Limestone-Silica in the topsoil which ultimately sits atop a bedrock of limestone rich tuffeaux.
In the vineyards, Caroline and Hervé work as naturally as possible. They’ve had the HVE certification (Haute Valeur Environnementale) from the first vintage and are in the process of converting the Domaine to full organic certification. All grapes are hand harvested and vatted by gravity into their old underground cellar dug deep into the limestone tuffeaux bedrock. Fermentation begins spontaneously, using only the naturally occurring indigenous yeasts. Apart from a few milligrams of sulfur before bottling, no additives are used in the vinification.
The range includes two entry-level wines and four parcellaire (single vineyard) wines. The entry-level Saumur Blanc and a Saumur-Champigny Rouge, are sourced from multiple vineyard sites and made for early drinkability. These wines undergo a short ageing in stainless steel and used oak of 6-9 months. For the parcellaire wines Les Rouères Blanc, Les Poyeux, and Les Clos Forènes are all aged a minimum of 12 months before bottling. Les Rouères Blanc in a combination of 400L oak barrels and a12hl wooden vat. Les Poyeux, and Les Clos Forènes, are raised in a combination of used oak barrels of various sizes, sandstone amphora, and stainless steel, while the Chaintres spends 24 months in a 15hl Foudre.
Caroline and Hervé are young and still relatively new to the region, it’s exciting to think about where Domaine des Sables Verts will be in five, ten, twenty years’ time. Each year the wines have improved and that includes a very difficult 2021 vintage. As the couple continue to learn the strengths of their many terroirs and hone their approach in the cellar, we expect much more from Domaine des Sables Verts.
'22 Domaine de la Marinière Rosé de Saignée
A radiant expression of Loire Valley rosé, Domaine de la Marinière’s 2022 Rosé de Saignée is vibrant and elegant. On the nose, delicate aromas of wild strawberries, crushed violets, and citrus zest unfold, while the palate is crisp and refreshing, revealing layers of red currant, pomegranate, and a whisper of minerality. The finish is long and dry, with a refined acidity that makes it a perfect companion for seafood, charcuterie, or a warm summer evening.
Benjamin Serer Vouvray La Tradition Brut Nature
Benjamin Serer’s Vouvray La Tradition is a masterful expression of sparkling Chenin Blanc, produced using the méthode traditionnelle. It opens with a bouquet of baked apple, quince, and delicate floral notes, underpinned by a chalky minerality. The palate is refined yet vibrant, with a fine mousse and an interplay of citrus, toasted almond, and brioche. Aged for 12 months on lees and disgorged with no dosage, this is a structured yet precise sparkling wine that reflects both the region’s heritage and Serer’s commitment to minimal intervention winemaking.
'23 Benjamin Serer Vouvray Sec 'Les Trois Chênes'
A strikingly pure and expressive Chenin Blanc, ‘Les Trois Chênes’ 2023 embodies the finesse of Vouvray’s limestone-rich soils. Aromas of ripe pear, acacia honey, and citrus blossom emerge from the glass, leading to a palate that is both textured and electric. Crisp green apple, wet stone, and a subtle saline note provide depth and complexity, while the finish is long and taut, promising excellent aging potential. This is a food-lover’s wine, pairing effortlessly with shellfish, poultry, and creamy cheeses.
'23 Domaine des Sables Verts Saumur-Champigny
A classic and captivating expression of Cabernet Franc, the 2023 Saumur-Champigny from Domaine des Sables Verts is lively and structured. Aromas of ripe red cherries, blackcurrant, and crushed herbs lead to a juicy and expressive palate. The tannins are supple yet present, complementing flavors of dark berries, tobacco, and a hint of graphite. A well-balanced, medium-bodied wine with a refreshing finish, this vintage is a perfect match for grilled meats, mushroom-based dishes, and aged cheeses.
'22 Domaine des Sables Verts Saumur-Champigny 'Les Poyeux'
From one of Saumur-Champigny’s most revered terroirs, ‘Les Poyeux’ 2022 is a Cabernet Franc of remarkable depth and elegance. The bouquet is intricate, revealing layers of dark plum, crushed violets, and subtle spice. On the palate, silky tannins wrap around notes of black cherry, forest floor, and a touch of cedar. The wine’s refined structure and lingering minerality make it a compelling choice for cellaring, though its charm is undeniable even in its youth. Pair with roasted game, truffle-infused dishes, or a fine selection of charcuterie to fully appreciate its complexity.
