Overview
Nestled in the hills of the Loire Valley, lies Gratien Meyer, a jewel of French winemaking. Founded in 1864 by Alfred Gratien and cellar master Jean Meyer through the acquisition of some ancient cellars where they planted Gratien Meyer’s first grape vines. They developed a sparkling wine made from Chardonnay and Chenin using the traditional Champagne method.
Over the next 120 years, the Meyer family grew the sparkling wine brand we know today as Gratien Meyer. It was passed down from one generation to the next and in early 2000, the family sold the winery to the German firm Henkell & Co.
Today, Gratien Meyer cellars, proud of their 160 years of tradition, are focused on the future. Under the direction of Henkell & Co., the winery has modernized through continued investment with the aim of sharing Cremant de Loire with the world.
With a view of the sunny Loire Valley as its backdrop, the Gratien Meyer maison is a majestic sight. Gratien Meyer’s Saumur vineyard brings together 3,700 acres, spread over 93 communes, that run along the south of Saumur. Dominated by Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, the vineyard is primarily known for producing white wines. Though not native to the land, the origin of the Cabernet Franc grape dates back to 990, when it was first imported from Bordeaux by Brenton sailors.
At Gratien Meyer, modern technologies are used only to improve traditional methods. From bottling to packaging and aging in the cellars, all stages of production happen right on site in the hillside of Saumur.
Gratien Meyer exclusively hand harvests the grapes of the Crémant de Loire and ages the wines for 18 months, going beyond the legal requirements, to allow their aromas to fully develop. Still aged in historic tuffeau rock cellars, these cool underground tunnels preserve more than 160 years of French winemaking expertise and give the wine its refined character and delicate bubbles.
