Antoine de la Farge

Antoine’s career began in the wine trade, where he gained extensive experience and international exposure. After 12 years in the wine industry, including a significant stint as a wine buyer for a major French wine merchant, Antoine returned to his family’s vineyard in 2012 to lead on winemaking, bringing a fresh perspective and innovative techniques to the vineyard.

Vineyard Practices

After taking over Domaine de l’Ermitage in Menetou Salon from his parents and Antoine works with growers who his family has known for years. At the core of Antoine de la Farge’s philosophy is a deep respect for the land. The estate covers 10 hectares of vines, where every aspect of viticulture is guided by sustainable agricultural practices. Antoine insists on hand-harvesting the grapes to ensure the highest quality. 

The vineyards are spread across various terroirs in the Eastern Loire, each contributing unique characteristics to the wines. In Menetou-Salon, the grapes grow on Kimmeridgian soil, rich in marl and fossilized shells, which imparts a distinctive minerality to the wines. In Pouilly-sur-Loire, the soil is predominantly Silex, supplemented by caillottes (white chalk), while Quincy’s vineyards are rooted in sandy and clay soils. These diverse terroirs allow Antoine to craft wines with character and complexities.

“I see myself as a conductor who transforms the soil into music. I don’t want to manipulate the wine, but only to accompany it gently.”

Antoine’s approach to vinification focuses on allowing the natural qualities of the grapes and terroir to shine through. The winemaking process is guided by gravity, ensuring that the wine is handled gently throughout production. Fermentation occurs naturally, without the addition of commercial yeasts, which helps to preserve the authentic expression of the terroir in each bottle.

Range of Wine

The primary focus of this project is Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, the signature grape varieties of the Eastern Loire. Sauvignon Blanc is the dominant variety and thrives in the region’s cool climate, leading to a slow ripening process. This results in wines with prominent citrus notes and a refined, elegant profile. The Pinot Noir wines, known for their delicate colour and structure, are aged in barrels to enhance their complexity. Lighter, fruitier expressions are achieved with shorter ageing periods, while longer ageing results in wines with a more robust structure and a powerful bouquet.