{"title":"Chateau du Hureau","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Vatans (yes, indeed: this branch of the family moved downstream from Sancerre in the 18th century) have \"only\" been estate-bottling since 1987, but have seven generations and hundreds of years experience growing. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe cellar of Château du Hureau, high on a cliff overlooking the Loire river, has to be one of the most fascinating places we’ve ever been. It’s actually an ancient cave, carved into limestone, which once served as a sanctuary from Viking raids over a thousand years ago.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn a scorchingly hot, arid day in May, it was mercifully cold and damp. But the wines, both gossamer and sharply mineral, were the real refreshment – and their sense of place was revelatory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAbout the place: most of Hureau’s vineyards lie at the top of the cliff, essentially the roof of the cellar. The soils here are pure limestone, and it’s this chalky character that comes through in everything they make.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"chateau-du-hureau-saumur-champigny-tuffe-2023-750ml","title":"Chateau du Hureau Saumur-Champigny Tuffe 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eTuffe is named for tuffeau, the soft chalk under these vines, and that mineral undertow is the signature of the wine. It's Hureau's everyday Saumur-Champigny, a Cabernet Franc blended from many parcels and aged in tank to keep it fresh and unadorned. Chateau du Hureau is among the top names in the appellation, run by fifth-generation vigneron Philippe Vatan and his daughter Agathe. This is honest, drinkable Loire Cab Franc done right. Serve it with a slight chill; the 2023 is ready now.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Avanelle [AVA]","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42431725568035,"sku":"SF-1-AVA--051926-3","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0044\/1208\/0163\/files\/Bottle-of-Chateau-du-Hureau-Saumur-Champigny-Tuffe-2023-Red-Wine-Flatiron-SF.jpg?v=1779404188"},{"product_id":"chateau-du-hureau-saumur-blanc-argile-2024-750ml","title":"Chateau du Hureau Saumur Blanc Argile 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eArgile is Hureau's Chenin Blanc from chalky tuffeau soils, and chalk is the whole story here: it gives the wine its taut, mineral spine. Chateau du Hureau is among the top names in Saumur, run by fifth-generation vigneron Philippe Vatan and his daughter Agathe, farming parcels around Dampierre-sur-Loire and Champigny. Argile is blended from a handful of parcels, fermented in tank and aged in a mix of tank and large wood. A serious, dry Loire white. The 2024 is fresh and energetic young, with room to develop.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Avanelle [AVA]","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42432356515875,"sku":"SF-1-AVA--052026-21","price":32.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0044\/1208\/0163\/files\/Bottle-of-Chateau-du-Hureau-Saumur-Blanc-Argile-2024-White-Wine-Flatiron-SF.jpg?v=1779404209"}],"url":"https:\/\/sf.flatiron-wines.com\/collections\/chateau-du-hureau.oembed","provider":"Flatiron SF","version":"1.0","type":"link"}