Domaine de La Fontainerie
About Domaine de La Fontainerie
Established in 1712, Domaine de La Fontainerie has a storied past. In 1990, Catherine Deruet Dhoye assumed stewardship of the 15-acre family estate, boasting Chenin Blanc vines nestled on calcareous-clay slopes. While she embraces modern practices, Catherine also reveres the estate's legacy. With a combination of passion and humility, she nurtures the heritage passed down through successive generations—a legacy manifested in a remarkable collection of vintages. Catherine's meticulous care ensures that the distinct nuances of the terroir shine through while upholding biodiversity. Each vineyard plot is tended individually, harvested at peak maturity. The wines mature in cool, troglodyte cave cellars. These wines not only reflect the specificities of their vintage and exceptional terroir but also, with time in the bottle, they unravel the estate’s history. The wines stand as nuanced representations of their unique terroir, showcasing a complexity that promises longevity.
The vineyards are all in the “Vallée Coquette”, though each are unique, so different wines are produced. Here’s a guide to the vineyards and wines:
Katrina’s blend/Linara’s blend: A fruity wine that is a blend of the different vineyards. Katrina’s blend is always dry, whereas Linara’s blend is always Demi Sec (slightly sweet). These wines offer tremendous value for money.
Coteau Les Brûlés: This vineyard always produces high-end sweeter wines (Demi Sec and Moelleux).
Coteau La Fontainerie: The best of the best grapes tend to come from this old-vine vineyard. Wines can range from dry (Sec) to sweet (Moelleux) and are always fermented and aged in New French Oak barrels.
Le “C”: Wines designated with Le “C” are from the Coteau La Fontainerie vineyard, though they have been fermented and aged in 2-5 year old French Oak barrels, so they do not impart as much oak flavors.
Millesimi Brut: This is a vintage, sparkling dry wine that is a blend of the different vineyards. Made in the traditional method, the first fermentation is in oak barrels and aged on the lees for over a year.
Why We Love Domaine de la Fontainerie
Catherine embodies dedication and assiduity, as evidenced by her meticulous vineyard care and her production of exceptional Chenin Blancs. Beyond her vinicultural prowess, Catherine's affable nature distinguishes her as a standout personality. Our admiration is not only reserved for the tantalizing notes of Domaine de La Fontainerie wines but equally for Catherine's comprehensive dedication, spanning from vine cultivation to the intricate facets of the winemaking journey. It fills us with immense pride and exhilaration to introduce Catherine’s distinguished wines to the American palate.
