Our estate
A vineyard in Neuville de Poitou

History of Domaine de La Roussille

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History of the Haut-Poitou region

The Haut-Poitou vineyards: a thousand-year-old tradition

Traces of Haut-Poitou vineyards date back to Gallo-Roman times. As a result, the vineyards have existed for at least twenty centuries. It was between the 10th and 12th centuries that it acquired its greatest renown. Haut-Poitou wines were highly sought after by the nobles of the day. In the 13th century, the vineyards were at their peak, with a large surface area as a result of many middle-class people buying land in Haut-Poitou to grow vines.

Challenges and renaissance: from devastation to renewal

Unfortunately, the vineyards were devastated on several occasions, firstly during the Wars of Religion. Then, in 1882, phylloxera struck, destroying the entire Poitou vineyard (43,000 hectares) and triggering a rural exodus. In 1945, winegrowers got together to create a winegrowers' union to defend the Haut-Poitou appellation, VDQS (Vins Délimités de Qualité Supérieure). From 1971 to 1985, the growth and reputation of Haut-Poitou VDQS wines increased considerably, enabling the vineyard to continue its development.

The Haut-Poitou vineyards today: diversity and renown

Today, the Haut-Poitou vineyards boast around 80 winegrowers, including around ten independents. The other growers sell their grapes to wine merchants in the Loire Valley. The surface area devoted to vineyards in Haut-Poitou is around 100 hectares, out of a total planted area of 520 hectares of vines. The rest of the production is marketed as "Vin de Pays du Val de Loire". This diversity of producers and grape varieties contributes to the growing reputation of Haut-Poitou wines, which continue to win over lovers of exceptional wines.

Val de Loire PGI wines

Our wines have the Val de Loire protected geographical indication.

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