Our History
The place where the Estate is built holds many mysteries... It is said to have been built near the remains of an ancient castle from the Middle Ages of which only a few stones remain. It is said that the Estate was once attached to the Seigneurie de Fougères: another Castle built and rebuilt between the 11th and 14th centuries. (Very beautiful Fortified Castle which can be visited)
It is also said that this place served as a place of justice. Doesn't its name Salvard or Salvert mean "salvation"?
Back to the present:
The Wine Estate:
Around 1900 our grandfather, Maurice Delaille, bought “le Salvard”, an estate located in the commune of Fougères sur Bièvre. He modernized it, restored it little by little and replanted vines. Later his son Gilbert and his wife Lise took over.
Over the years, the farm has grown from 10 hectares of vines in 1965 to 30 hectares in 1993, and currently has 45 hectares of this precious crop. The young "bosses" Emmanuel and Thierry, from the 5th generation, continue the work with love and passion and maintain this know-how.
The Domaine mainly produces white Cheverny and exports 90% of this divine beverage abroad: United States, United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Czech Republic, Ireland, Russia, Canada, Brazil, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, China, Maldives and French Overseas Territories...
For several years, Domaine du Salvard has had a modern winery with air conditioning. This is a plus for winemaking and practical for sustainable cultivation!
The Vineyard:
Vine growing is very old. It was developed from the 6th century, when the clergy settled in the neighbouring abbeys and monasteries. Then, the Counts of Blois (12th century) regulated (already!!) the plantations by Edicts.
Later, François 1st arrived and greatly appreciated the wines of Cheverny...the Appellation was launched...
The vineyard extends over 24 communes south of the Loire between Tours and Orléans. That is to say between nearby Sologne and Touraine Loir et Chérienne.
Of the 500 hectares that make up the AOC Cheverny appellation, the Domaine cultivates 45 hectares, 90% of which are planted with Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The remaining 10% are composed of red grape varieties: Pinot Noir and Gamay.
The vine is grown on hillsides and plateaus made up of flint clay or siliceous silt.