The history of this Chateau dates back to 1655, when Phelippeaux de Ponchartrain acquired what was then a hunting lodge and an adjacent hilltop, near the forests of the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud. De Ponchatrain was a personal secretary to Louis XIV, King of France. The property remained in the family for generations and entertained politicians and community leaders. Eventually, the property was turned into a private residence after the marriage of Genevieve Allain-Targe to Charles Ferry. The Ferry’s only descendant, Fresnette, and her husband, Edgard Pisani, a Minister under de Gaulle, restored the Chateau. It had been battered significantly over decades, due largely to the two World Wars.

In 1976, Fresnette and Edgard’s son, Edouard Pisani-Ferry, inherited the property. He was an agricultural engineer in winemaking. Initially, he built a state of the art winery. In the 1990’s their holdings were expanded, by buying and exchanging terroirs. Additionally, during the 90’s an interest in environmental practices began emerging, and by the end of the millennia, the estate began employing these in the winery and the vineyard. From 2000 on, Chateau Targe has been a member of Terra Vitis, an associated committed to sustainable agriculture. As of today, the estate amounts to some 24 hectares.

The vineyards themselves are positioned together on the hillside above the Chateau, adjacent to the border of the AOC Saumur-Champigny. This is in the area of the Parnay, and some of the best parcels in Saumur-Champigny; Clos Saint-Pere, Clos Du Moulin, Clos Saillant, and Clos Vert.

Saumur Champigny is derived from a Latin expression meaning “Fire Field.” The climate here, like a lot of the Loire, is a combination of Continental and Oceanic. The soils are clay and limestone, with ancient sedimentary subsoils, which provides for excellent drainage.

Saumur-Champigny and Chinon, have a microclimate that is a bit warmer and drier than other parts of the Loire Valley. With rainfall amounting to nearly half of the national average, all of this amounts to an ideal place to produce excellent red wines in particular. The region is planted to 85% Cabernet Franc, and 15% Chenin.

Saumur-Champigny

100% Cabernet Franc, the grapes come from vines averaging 25 years of age. This is from some of the warmest sites in the Loire. The vineyards are grassed over and ploughed. No fertilizers, nor herbicides/pesticides are employed. Vinified and aged in temperature regulated stainless steel, this is a clean, highly balanced, wine. The tannins are soft and integrated, fruits are dark red to black, featuring plums, cassis, cola, and a touch of poblano peppers. This would be a perfect pairing with lean beef and pepper fajitas. .

Saumur-Champigny Cabernet Franc “Les Cerisiers de Targe”

This is 100% Cabernet Franc grown in Clay on Tuffeau subsoil in the very warmest part of the Loire Valley. The grapes for this are cold macerated in temperature controlled stainless steel. Aging is carried out in stainless steel, as well. This tends to exhibit a bit more vibrant, red, fruit, to compliment the classic cabernet franc black and green notes. This is herbaceous, minerally, with light hints of milk chocolate to soften the edges. Lean steak, garlic roasted chicken, and aged gruyere and ham.