Who makes it
The château dates to the 16th century. In 1997, Yvonne Lamunière decided to recreate its abandoned vineyard. Mathieu Vallée took over in 2007 and kept the name Château Yvonne as homage to the work of the previous owners. Organic certification dates to 1997, and biodynamic practices began in 2012.
Where it grows
Saumur-Champigny is the appellation on La Folie's label, a Loire designation for red wine. Château Yvonne's vineyards also include Chenin Blanc, so the estate farms a white grape alongside Cabernet Franc. The label names a red appellation, while the vineyard holdings cover both red and white varieties.
What they make
The named red bottle is Château Yvonne La Folie. The estate also grows Chenin Blanc alongside Cabernet Franc. La Folie ferments in concrete with indigenous yeast, then ages for 12 months in large wooden vats. Its range position is defined by a red Saumur-Champigny bottle and a cellar sequence that moves from concrete fermentation to wood ageing.
The 2020 Château Yvonne La Folie is ruby in colour, opaque and bright, with black cherry notes and medium body that drinks easily. Its tannins are direct, finely woven and taut, while the palate is focused, lean and linear. The 2020 vintage is recommended to drink over the next seven to ten years.