CHATEAU DU FRESNE

Château du Fresne – The elegance of great Anjou wines, passed down through generations

In the heart of Anjou, on the hillsides overlooking the Layon valley, Château du Fresne embodies a rich, human and deeply rooted winemaking story in the Loire Valley. Founded in 1982 through the union of two winegrowing families, the Robin and the Bretault families, the estate has become a Loire reference, combining tradition, precision and modernity.

A family adventure led by the third generation

Today, the vineyard is run by Yannis Bretault, David Maugin and Olivier Bretault. Young, complementary and fully committed, they naturally share responsibilities between vineyard management, winemaking and commercial development.

Their ambition is clear: to preserve the know-how passed down by previous generations while continuously refining practices to produce Anjou wines that are ever more precise, expressive and accessible.

A highly diverse Loire Valley vineyard

Château du Fresne covers nearly 80 hectares of vineyards, mainly located in Faye-d’Anjou, west of the Loire Valley. This diversity of plots allows the estate to work with eight grape varieties, including the great pillars of Anjou.

Chenin Blanc, the king of dry and sweet Loire whites, Cabernet Franc, elegant and aromatic, and Cabernet Sauvignon, structured and powerful, form the backbone of the vineyard.

Today, the estate produces eight AOC appellations, two IGP wines and more than eighteen cuvées, offering a wide range suited to all types of wine lovers.

Contrasting soils, a wealth of expressions

The vines are mainly planted on schist and sandstone soils, composed of schist, quartz and square stones. These shallow soils produce wines that are intense, vibrant and highly distinctive.

On the left bank of the Layon, particularly in the area of Champ, the soils become lighter and more free-draining, mixing sands and gravels. These terroirs produce wines that are more immediate and approachable, while retaining finesse and elegance. This contrast is one of the key strengths of Château du Fresne’s style.

Independent winemaker and environmental commitment

Château du Fresne proudly claims its status as an Independent Winegrower. From vine to glass, everything is done on the estate: vineyard work, harvesting, vinification, ageing, bottling and distribution.

The vineyard is certified High Environmental Value level 3 (HVE). The practices implemented aim to preserve biodiversity, reduce inputs and respect natural balances, through cover crops, reasoned fertilisation and sustainable soil management.

The Château du Fresne cuvées – A clear reading of Anjou

The range is carefully structured to guide both curious drinkers and experienced wine lovers, with a clear approach by style and appellation.

Loire sparkling wines:

– Origine – AOP Crémant de Loire
– Marquis de Gilbourg – AOP Crémant de Loire
– Marquise de Gilbourg – AOP Crémant de Loire

Fine, elegant and well-balanced sparkling wines, perfect for aperitifs and special occasions.

Characterful whites and sweet wines:

– Grande Sélection – AOP Coteaux du Layon Faye
– Les Onillonnes – AOP Coteaux du Layon
– Butte des Chevriottes – AOP Coteaux du Layon Faye

Chenin-based wines that are generous, precise and built for ageing, true expressions of the Layon valley.

Loire reds and rosés:

– Les Cabernets – AOP Anjou
– Chevalier le Bascle – AOP Anjou
– Croix Lizée – AOP Anjou
– Orgasmik – AOP Cabernet d’Anjou

Fresh, fruit-driven and accessible wines, ideal for discovering the Loire Cabernet style.

Original and distinctive cuvées:

– Autochtone – IGP Val de Loire (Grolleau)
– L’Explosif du Fresne – IGP Val de Loire Sauvignon

Modern, expressive and bold wines, perfect for those looking to explore beyond the classics.

Château du Fresne, Anjou in its most sincere expression

The wines of Château du Fresne stand out for their balance, aromatic purity and faithful expression of terroir. Whether dry, sweet, sparkling or red, they all tell the same story: that of a demanding, deeply human family estate, driven by the pleasure of sharing wine.

Which Château du Fresne wines should you choose to discover Anjou?

To discover the emblematic appellations of Anjou through Château du Fresne, the Crémant de Loire cuvées are an excellent starting point. The Chenin wines from Coteaux du Layon will delight lovers of expressive and age-worthy whites, while the Anjou reds and Cabernet d’Anjou rosés offer an accessible, fruit-forward introduction to Loire Valley Cabernet wines.