Domaine Ogereau Côte de la Houssaye, 2020

With a beaming face expressing a radiant and gratified happiness, Emmanuel Ogereau is the quintessential symbol of joy and ‘life is good’. The energy radiating from this jovial young man is superlative and certainly refreshing. Yes, Emmanuel Ogereau is thrilled to be a vigneron alongside his parents - Catherine and Vincent. His tremendous passion for the wines of Anjou is palpable.

Domaine Ogereau is located in the village of Saint Lambert du Lattay, near the city of Angers. 

The domaine dates back to the late 1890s. Vines were part of the estate right from the beginning, as well as cereals. It’s Emmanuel’s father who first began bottling at the estate.

Born in the exceptional 1989 vintage, Emmanuel studied viticulture and winemaking in Angers and Dijon, simply because he never thought of doing anything else. In fact, there was never any doubt in his mind that he would make winemaking his career. He went on to travel the world, including a stint in Central Otago and he learned his skills through hard graft.

Emmanuel, Catherine, and Vincent, together with their team, work relentlessly, meticulously, and eagerly in the 24-hectare vineyard planted with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Grolleau, Pineau d’Aunis, Chenin Blanc, and Chardonnay and farmed organically. The result is the production of some of the most exciting Chenin and Cabernet that the Loire Valley has to offer. They listen to nature, they observe the landscape and their mosaic of terroirs, and they use their common sense to make very distinctive and harmonious wines.

In recent years, the wines of Domaine Ogereau have made a remarkable progression. Since he came back to his homeland, Emmanuel has injected his rigorous, yet joyful, personality into the wines. All wines deserve a big shout out. The dry Chenins have a metronomic precision. They are focussed, well chiselled, richly textured and perfectly balanced. The reds are vigorous and well knitted together. As for the Côteaux du Layon, Emmanuel admits that he still has lots to learn from his mother who is the ‘sweet’ magician; her expertise is invaluable. Madame Ogereau’s knowledge of the cépage is quite exhaustive, and above all, she knows exactly when to pick the healthful grapes, which is crucial for the production of a dessert wine that retains freshness and essential acidity.   

Both active tuba players, Emmanuel and Vincent are like conductors tending their vines and producing a symphony of melodious wines.

As a young vigneron, Emmanuel aspires to do everything right – and he does just that. His dynamism has no limits – it’s boundless. He is recognised as the brightest rising star in Anjou, and he richly deserves this reputation. The simple truth is that his wines are extremely distinguished.