Alexandre Guillaume
Domaine Alexandre Guillaume, the awakening of a terroir between Anjou and Saumur
From an anthropological background to the quest for life
Having trained in anthropology at the EHESS (School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences), Alexandre Guillaume chose to redirect his perspective on the world through the lens of winemaking. After completing a two- year technical degree in Viticulture and Oenology , he trained primarily at La Ferme de la Sansonnière under Mark and Martial Angeli , supplementing his training with stints at Antoine Foucault , Thomas Batardière , Didier Chaffardon , Robin Carette , and Domaine Mélaric . These brief but formative experiences nurtured a sensitive and thoughtful approach to the craft, where the vineyard becomes a space for observing life and time .
The first vintage was produced in 2022 with the La Bedaudière cuvée, from a plot leased from Ferme de la Sansonnière , planted with Chenin Blanc and Grolleau Noir . In 2023 , the lease was renewed, and new plots were added to the project, located on the border between Anjou and Saumur . This transitional terroir , composed of puddingstone, sandstone, sand, and flinty clay , is distinguished by its energy and topography, unlike the limestone soils more prevalent in the region. Since 2024 , the estate has focused its work on 1.5 hectares in La Bournée (49700) , employing a meticulous, patient, and precise artisanal approach.
Cave winemaking and a sincere expression of the terroir
Alexandre Guillaume 's vibrant wines are born in a troglodyte cellar , where vinification and aging take place in the natural coolness of the rock. There are no rigid recipes: attentive listening to fermentation , slow aging , and minimal intervention allow the wine to find its own balance.
Each vintage, starting with La Bedaudière , expresses the purity of the fruit , the tension of Chenin Blanc , or the suppleness of Grolleau , in a sincere interpretation of the terroir and the vintage. Domaine Alexandre Guillaume is establishing itself as a promising young voice in Anjou , where rigorous technique meets freedom of spirit , in a quest for authenticity and vibrancy .
