2e Confidence 2022 – Domaine Gaël Felix

A deeper expression of Quincy Sauvignon

2e Confidence 2022 is an organic Sauvignon Blanc from Gaël Felix’s historic vineyards in Quincy, Loire Valley. This cuvée represents a step forward from the first label, thanks to extended ageing in wood. It balances freshness, minerality, and subtle spice from lees contact, expressing elegance, depth, and harmony.

The story of the wine

2e Confidence was created to showcase the potential of more mature Sauvignon Blanc vines. The 25-year-old vines provide balanced and aromatic grapes. The 2022 vintage, marked by moderate temperatures and good diurnal variation, produced a wine with tension, balanced acidity, and aromatic complexity. Gaël Felix’s philosophy remains: respect the terroir and let the fruit speak through minimal intervention.

Vineyard philosophy

The 6 hectares of Sauvignon vines are managed using organic viticulture, planted on sandy and gravelly soils that provide drainage, lightness, and mineral expression. Mechanical harvesting allows grapes to be picked at optimal ripeness, preserving integrity and natural aromas. Vineyard management follows natural cycles, reducing chemical interventions and promoting biodiversity and soil health.

Winemaking and ageing

Grapes are carefully sorted at the press and ferment spontaneously with indigenous yeasts for 12 days. The wine then ages 12 months in wood on fine lees, enriching structure, complexity, and persistence without overwhelming the Sauvignon’s natural freshness. Minimal intervention in the cellar ensures authenticity, with little fining or filtration.

Tasting notes

• Colour: deep golden yellow with greenish highlights, bright and clear.

• Nose: complex aromas of ripe citrus, white flowers, aromatic herbs, and subtle toasty notes from wood contact.

• Palate: soft and structured, balanced acidity, persistent minerality, and a long harmonious finish.

Food pairings

Excellent with grilled or baked fish, shellfish, sushi, and delicate white meats. Also pairs beautifully with vegetable dishes, risottos, and fresh or semi-hard cheeses. A versatile wine that accompanies meals without losing elegance.

Technical sheet

• Region: Loire Valley

• Variety: 100% Sauvignon

• Appellation: Quincy AOP

• Vineyard area: 6 ha

• Soil: sand and gravel

• Average vine age: 25 years

• Viticulture: organic

• Harvest: mechanical

• Vinification: sorting at press, 12-day fermentation with indigenous yeasts

• Ageing: 12 months in wood on fine lees

• Production: 3,000 bottles

• SO₂: minimal

• Fining/Filtration: minimal

Domaine Gaël Felix – Quincy, Loire Valley

The history of the Domaine

The Domaine Gaël Felix was born from the personal dream of a young winemaker who, after years of experience in some of the world’s most prestigious wine regions – Rhône, Alsace, and even New Zealand – decided to return to his roots. In January 2022, Gaël finally fulfilled his ambition of founding his own winery in Quincy, in the heart of the Loire Valley. Although young, the domaine has already gained attention thanks to its modern yet deeply traditional approach, producing artisanal wines that express the identity of the land. Gaël’s journey, enriched by international experience, now translates into a unique ability to combine technical precision with natural sensitivity, resulting in wines that are authentic, elegant, and full of character.

Vineyard philosophy

The estate vineyards cover about 6 hectares, divided into a dozen parcels that showcase the complexity and diversity of the local terroir. The majority is planted with Sauvignon Blanc, the flagship grape of the Quincy appellation, while around half a hectare is dedicated to Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Gamay, cultivated under the IGP Coteaux du Cher et de l’Arnon. The soils consist mainly of alluvial sediments, sand, and gravel, elements that give freshness, minerality, and aromatic finesse to the wines. Vineyard management follows environmentally respectful practices: Gaël applies the Guyot Poussard pruning system, which preserves vine longevity and reduces wood diseases, combined with massal selection to maintain genetic diversity. Since 2023, the estate has been on the path to organic certification, while also adopting certain biodynamic principles.

Winemaking approach

Gaël Felix’s philosophy extends seamlessly from the vineyard into the cellar. Here, the guiding principle is minimal intervention, allowing each wine to fully express the personality of Quincy’s terroir. Fermentations take place mainly with indigenous yeasts, chosen to respect the aromatic identity of the grapes and preserve varietal purity. No invasive techniques, such as acidification, are applied, while the use of sulfites is kept to the bare minimum, only enough to ensure stability and proper preservation without compromising authenticity. This approach delivers wines that speak with a clear and genuine voice, balancing minerality, freshness, and aromatic richness. A gentle vinification process, aligned with natural rhythms, underlines Gaël’s intention to craft bottles that truly reflect the vineyard.

Identity and vision

Today, the Domaine Gaël Felix produces about 15,000 bottles per year, divided into four cuvées that embody a synthesis of local roots and a contemporary enological vision. Despite its small size, the winery stands out for artisanal care, technical precision, and a continuous pursuit of quality. Each wine reflects a harmony between tradition and modernity, with a stylistic imprint centered on freshness and drinkability, distinctive traits of the great Sauvignon Blancs of the Loire. The domaine’s philosophy rests on a clear principle: respect for nature and vineyard work, with the goal of producing wines that are natural, sincere, and deeply connected to their terroir. Gaël’s ambition is to gradually establish his reputation as an authentic interpreter of Quincy, contributing to the valorization of this historic appellation with a personal and innovative style.