The Domaine de l'Ours Bleu, showcasing the terroir of Saumur

Nearly 20 years ago, two terroir enthusiasts made a promise to create their own vineyard and work together on winemaking. Their cultural heritage and love for the vines led them to embark on this journey. Years later, the promise was fulfilled with the creation of Domaine de l’Ours Bleu, thanks to the meeting of Jérôme Baillargeau, a passionate winemaker deeply rooted in his craft and region, coming from a long line of vintners.

What drives the two friends behind the estate?

A shared goal and an organic commitment

In this human adventure, the two wine lovers are guided by a single goal: to create an environmentally respectful estate and offer cuvées that highlight the work in the vineyards and the Loire terroir. Since 2018, the estate has been working organically. Every year, they experiment with new techniques in both viticulture and winemaking, aiming to create a unique identity and satisfy their clients.

What makes the terroir so special?

Showcasing an Exceptional Terroir

Domaine de l’Ours Bleu is located in the heart of the Loire wine region, on the heights of the Montsoreau hillside. The vines have been thriving here for centuries. In 1095, Guillaume de Montsoreau founded an abbey and planted the first vines. Over the years, the property expanded, and the vineyard on the Montsoreau hillside developed.

The Domaine de l’Ours Bleu acquired its first plots in 2013. Currently, the estate covers 14 hectares, cultivated 100% organically. The vines are situated in several renowned appellations of the Loire Valley. The presence of a wide variety of terroirs and microclimates allows the wines to offer unique characteristics depending on the plots. Organic farming helps reveal the full potential of the land and enhances this exceptional terroir.

What cuvées does the estate produce?

Domaine de l’Ours Bleu: Organic and Original Cuvées

The vineyard produces wines from Saumur Champigny, Saumur, and Chinon appellations, using Chenin and Cabernet Franc. Domaine de l’Ours Bleu has a strong identity, offering high-quality wines and original cuvées. One of the winemaker’s favorites is Saumur Blanc "Puzzle". After its first tasting in 2018, he declared,

At that very moment, I knew this wine would be our reference nectar and the pride of the Domaine.

The estate also offers more original cuvées like “Le Petit Insolent,” a white wine made from black grapes with red fruit notes, perfect for aperitifs. The property also produces organic red wines from Saumur, made from Cabernet Franc and aged in barrels for 24 months, as well as traditional and sparkling rosé wines

Frequently asked questions about Domaine de l'Ours Bleu

Where is Domaine de l'Ours Bleu located?

The estate tends its parcels on the Montsoreau hillside, within the Loire vineyards of Saumur. Vines have grown here since the Middle Ages, an abbey having risen on the slope back in 1095.

Who created the estate and makes its wines?

It grew out of a promise exchanged between friends almost twenty years ago. Jérôme Baillargeau, who descends from a long family of growers, leads the winemaking and gives the project its character.

Which grapes and appellations does the estate work with?

Two grapes shape the range: Chenin for the whites, Cabernet Franc for the reds and rosés. The bottles are spread across the Saumur, Saumur Champigny and Chinon appellations.

Is Domaine de l'Ours Bleu farmed organically?

Yes. The move to organic farming began in 2018, and all fourteen hectares are now worked without synthetic inputs, so that each plot can speak for itself.

What are the estate's signature cuvées?

Saumur Blanc Puzzle is the house's pride. Beside it, Le Petit Insolent, a white pressed from black grapes with red-fruit notes, suits the aperitif, while the reds rest twenty-four months in barrel.