Fidélie 2023

Wine Identity

Fidélie 2023 is a Loire Valley red wine crafted by Domaine Gaël Felix, blending 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Gamay. A natural, artisanal wine that highlights the purity and finesse of the Coteaux du Cher et de l’Arnon IGP terroir.

Vineyard and Terroir

The grapes come from 6 hectares of vineyards rooted in sandy and gravelly soils, which lend freshness, minerality, and elegance. The vines, averaging 20 years of age, are farmed using organic methods with full respect for the ecosystem. Manual harvesting ensures the best selection of bunches and maximum aromatic quality.

Winemaking and Ageing

Vinification is kept as natural as possible: indigenous yeasts trigger the fermentation, with a 3-week maceration and 90% destemming for balance between fruit and structure. The wine matures for 10 months, half in seasoned oak barrels (1–3 years) and half in stainless steel, preserving both freshness and subtle complexity.

Tasting Notes

• Colour: bright ruby red with vibrant reflections.

• Nose: aromas of red berries (raspberry, cherry, currant) with floral tones and light spice.

• Palate: fresh and juicy, with fine tannins, mineral energy, and a lingering finish.

Food Pairings

Versatile and elegant, Fidélie 2023 pairs beautifully with:

• charcuterie and terrines,

• roasted poultry and white meats,

• grilled salmon or fatty fish,

• soft cheeses.

Excellent slightly chilled, making it a convivial and food-friendly wine.

Technical Sheet

• Region: Loire Valley

• Grapes: 90% Pinot Noir, 10% Gamay

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

• Vineyard surface: 6 ha

• Soil: sand and gravel

• Average vine age: 20 years

• Viticulture: organic

• Harvest: manual

• Winemaking: indigenous yeasts, 3-week maceration, 90% destemmed

• Ageing: 10 months (50% oak, 50% stainless steel)

• Production: 1,000 bottles

• SO₂: minimal addition

• Clarification/filtration: none systematic

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.