Thirty-eight hand-picked winemakers, people toasting, and a popular dish prepared by a three-star chef.
Like every year, the hall on Place Billard, in Chartres (Eure-et-Loir) is transformed into a wine and gastronomy fair.
Wines only from the Loire appellations.
“It’s one of the great vineyards for tomorrow,” says Bertrand Jallerat between two wine tastings.
The largest vineyard in northern France is engaging thanks or because of global warming.
“It’s a promising region.
We now have very ripe, delicious and balanced wines.
It’s a region in the making, it’s never been as true as now,” assures the owner of the Grand Monarque and organizer of the Paulée de Chartres.
Anjou, Bourgueil, Chinon, Cote Roannaise, Fief Vendéen, Menetou-Salon, Montlouis-sur-Loire, Muscadet, Coteaux du Giennois, Orléanais, Reuilly, Sancerre, Savennières, Saumur Champigny, Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil, Touraine or Vouvray, from Auvergne to the Pays Nantais, the entire Loire will flow to Chartres on Sunday March 24, 2024 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
“In the Loire, we have several typicities, with sea wines like Muscadets and Fief Vendée, but also mountain wines with the Roan coasts.
We also have sauvignon blanc, fresh wines, or complex wines in Anjou and Touraine,” lists Nicolas Duclos, the head sommelier of the starred restaurant.
Exceptional wines not to be missed
Among the winegrowers present, five new ones.
Like a business incubator, La Paulée also serves as a launching pad for these young professionals.
Around the young people grow more experienced winegrowers who generally work with large restaurants or beautiful cellars.
“These are winegrowers who make exceptional products.
They are leaders of the Loire Valley.
They are demanding and always get the best out of each vintage,” promises the organizer.
A sunny 2023 vintage, which promises a significant quantity and quality.
For fans of the genre, “you have to try Sylvain Boton’s estate in Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil,” assures the sommelier.
This is his second vintage, and it has great potential.
There is also Domaine Paul Prieur & Fils in Sancerre, which will be one of the great winegrowers of tomorrow.
You have to buy it right away,” advises the specialist.
After Pierre Gagnaire, Thierry Marx, Olivier Nasti, it is the three-Michelin-starred chef Emmanuel Renaut (Flocons de Sel in Megève) who is the guest of honor.
He will be present under the Hall from 10 a.m.
“He’s the one who asked us!”
He is a chef close to his land, he is a hunter and gatherer, so he exploits the resources near his home.
He is passionate and what's more, he is a winemaker,” Bertrand Jallerat proudly paints the portrait.
To whet the public's appetite, the Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2004 will offer a game sausage, accompanied by polenta with wilted spinach and wild mushrooms.
A tempting program that 5,000 visitors should enjoy in moderation.