Début d’Abus 2023 – Domaine Gaël Felix

An authentic Pinot Gris from the Loire Valley

Début d’Abus 2023 is Gaël Felix’s personal interpretation of Pinot Gris in Quincy, Loire Valley. A white wine that combines freshness, minerality and character, crafted with minimal intervention and deep respect for the terroir. This cuvée reveals the vibrant personality of sandy and gravel soils, offering elegance and gastronomic versatility.

The story of the wine

This cuvée was born from the will to highlight Pinot Gris in a land dominated by Sauvignon Blanc. The vines, planted 15 years ago, reflect Gaël Felix’s desire to express the grape in its purest form. The 2023 vintage brought perfect ripeness, giving a precise aromatic profile and a harmonious structure.

Vineyard philosophy

The vineyard is managed according to organic farming principles, ensuring biodiversity and balance. Roots grow in sandy and gravel soils that provide freshness and a marked mineral touch. Manual harvest allows careful grape selection and preservation of their integrity.

Winemaking approach

Respect for fruit is key: the grapes are carefully sorted before pressing, then undergo spontaneous fermentation lasting twelve days. The wine is aged for seven months on fine lees, gaining complexity, texture and aromatic depth. No heavy fining, minimal intervention, authenticity preserved.

Tasting notes

• Colour: bright straw yellow with golden reflections.

• Nose: white fruit, pear and peach with floral hints and subtle minerality.

• Palate: fresh, structured, with a savoury, persistent finish.

Food pairings

Perfect with fish, shellfish and seafood, but also versatile with white meats and soft cheeses. Ideal as a gourmet aperitif or paired with Mediterranean cuisine.

Technical sheet

• Region: Loire Valley

• Variety: 100% Pinot Gris

• Appellation: Coteaux du Cher et de l’Arnon IGP

• Vineyard area: 6 ha

• Soil: sand and gravel

• Average vine age: 15 years

• Viticulture: organic

• Harvest: manual

• Vinification: sorting before pressing, 12 days fermentation

• Ageing: 7 months on fine lees

• Production: 1,000 bottles

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.