Loire Valley

Eric Morgat is a remarkable man. He farms only one cépage, Chenin.

A dreamer, Eric may have his head in the clouds, but his feet are firmly on the ground. He is one of the 36 producers farming in the tiny appellation Savennières and his postage-stamp-sized vineyard doesn’t exceed six hectares. Morgat questions this year, last year, next year.

A child of the Layon, coming from a family of winegrowers that has farmed vineyards in Anjou for over two centuries, Eric Morgat took the decision to leave the estate in 1995 at the young age of 25. Brave and armed with a thirst for adventure, modernness, and strong ambition, he embarked solo in this immense challenge and purchased abandoned parcels of vines in the heart of the appellation Savennières. No, he didn’t not move far from home. Morgat is very respectful of his origins, and his desire was to stay close to his roots.

After selecting the best terroirs, Eric Morgat worked closely with Louis-Marie - now his right-hand man - to painstakingly, rigorously, and laboriously restore his plots, while respecting the flora and the fauna. It was a herculean task, because Chenin Blanc is demanding in terms of viticulture and because schist soils are poor and deprived. Eric explains that being a winemaker is like ‘guiding nature with humility, contemplating its mystery and genius, and hoping to have the talent needed to make it greater still’. He is a great bearer of hope.

2019 marks the completion of his cellar at the Clos Ferrard in the village of Savennières, and with a charming smile, he admits that he is thrilled to be living right beside his wines.

Vinified in barrels, the wines magnify incredible energy, tension, and intensity, along with a rare precision. They are seduction in a glass, with scintillating acidity and minerality. They give us the taste of perfection, the taste of an artist at work, someone who cares deeply and passionately about excellence. Eric Morgat is firmly established amongst the elite of the best Loire Valley winemakers.


Profile © Françoise and Seán Gilley

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