The road to Sagesse des Sols is dotted with small townships, intermittently spread amongst large swaths of emerald green farmland. This winter season has been a wet one, so the grasses (and in the case of Cathy and Fred, the cover crop that lines their rows of vines) are especially bright and vibrant today. The clay in the soils beneath us, as well, pillowy soft and permeating the air with unmistakable freshness. It’s somewhat flat here in Anjou, so this Oz-like expanse stretches beyond the horizon, glistening under a now-setting amber sun.

We’re walked through the thickets of Oz by the wizards themselves, Cathy and Fred Róger. Though Fred first moved to Anjou when he was four years old (with the current estate being in the family since 2007), the pair met in Alsace, where both were working for other vignerons. Cathy and Fred returned to Anjou and took over Fred’s family estate in 2020. The deal was, so long as the yields remained consistent, they were allowed to do what they pleased as far as the viticulture. For the two, there was no question that the necessary path was one of minimal-intervention, to allow the “Wisdom of the Soils” to express themselves fully and uninhibited.

Thus, they undertook a swift conversion (and certification) to organic viticulture, firmly evident when you set foot amongst the vines. Fred, typically a bit reserved, begins to beam with joy discussing the newest plantings of cereals, herbs, clovers, flowers, and other vegetation between the rows, acting both as nitrogen re-distributors and conduits for a variety of microbial life in the soils. It’s evident looking at some of these gnarled, older vines next to the parcels that belong to others, that Cathy and Fred have completely rejuvenated their pockets of Anjou.

As we return to the cellar and taste through the wines, accompanied by a bouquet of hyper-local oysters, their mission is clear. The wines are picture-perfect expressions of Anjou, pure and approachable, yet teeming with energy and brilliance.

SAGESSE DES SOLS

Country: France

Region: Loire Valley

Sub-region or Appellation: Anjou

Winemakers: Cathy & Fred Róger

Viticulture: Organic

Terroir: Sand, Clay, Schist

Size: 20 ha

Website: www.sagesse-des-sols.com
Instagram: @sagessedessols

SAGESSE DES SOLS :: Rond de Danse

100% Chenin Blanc aged in stainless steel vats. This wine is a 'vin des copains', in other words, a wine to kick back with your homies.

Vintage: 2022
Varieties: Chenin Blanc
Style: White Wine
ABV: 11%
Region: Loire Valley
Sub-Region or Appellation: Anjou
Viticulture: Organic
Age of Vines:
Soils: Clay, Sand, Schist
Elevation:
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: Direct-pressed
Aging: Stainless Steel
Fining or Filtering: None
Sulfur: Minimal

SAGESSE DES SOLS :: Le Penseur de Rotin

Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay join forces in this crisp, fresh, and twinkling expression of Anjou.

Vintage: 2023
Varieties: Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay
Style: White Wine
ABV: 11%
Region: Loire Valley
Sub-Region or Appellation: Anjou
Viticulture: Organic
Age of Vines:
Soils: Clay, Sand, Schist
Elevation:
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: Direct-pressed
Aging: Stainless Steel
Fining or Filtering: None
Sulfur: Minimal

SAGESSE DES SOLS :: Une Bouteille À La Mare

Grolleau Noir, Grolleau Gris, and Pineau d’Aunis, partially direct-pressed and a portion undergoing a short maceration. The ideal rosé for hot days by the lake.

Vintage: 2023
Varieties: Grolleau Noir, Grolleau Gris, Pineau d’Aunis
Style: Rosé Wine
ABV: 11%
Region: Loire Valley
Sub-Region or Appellation: Anjou
Viticulture: Organic
Age of Vines:
Soils: Clay, Sand, Schist
Elevation:
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: Direct-pressed + short-maceration
Aging: Stainless Steel
Fining or Filtering: None
Sulfur: Minimal

SAGESSE DES SOLS :: Fréres de Terre

An homage to fertile soil and the magical microbial environment of a healthy parcel. 100% Grolleau fruit and fun times.

Vintage: 2023
Varieties: Grolleau Noir
Style: Red Wine
ABV: 10%
Region: Loire Valley
Sub-Region or Appellation: Anjou
Viticulture: Organic
Age of Vines:
Soils: Clay, Sand, Schist
Elevation:
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification:
Aging: Stainless Steel
Fining or Filtering: None
Sulfur: Minimal

SAGESSE DES SOLS :: Les Gobelets

100% Grolleau from old vines. Black fruits, gentle spice and delicate tannins that linger on the palate.

Vintage: 2021
Varieties: Grolleau
Style: Red Wine
ABV: 11%
Region: Loire Valley
Sub-Region or Appellation: Anjou
Viticulture: Organic
Age of Vines:
Soils: Clay, Sand, Schist
Elevation:
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification:
Aging:
Fining or Filtering: None
Sulfur: Minimal

SAGESSE DES SOLS :: Toucher Terre

Anjou Blanc, 100% Chenin Blanc from the lieu-dit "Les Ruaux". Elevage in barrique for 12 months. A bright, playful white with both beautiful freshness and length.

Vintage: 2021
Varieties: Chenin Blanc
Style: White Wine
ABV: 13%
Region: Loire Valley
Sub-Region or Appellation: Anjou
Viticulture: Organic
Age of Vines:
Soils: Clay, Sand, Schist
Elevation:
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification: Direct-pressed
Aging: 12 months in barriques
Fining or Filtering: None
Sulfur: Minimal

SAGESSE DES SOLS :: La Forge Tranquille

Anjou Villages, 100% Cabernet Franc aged in barrel. A silky, earthy red wine bursting with brambly fruits and dark purple plums.

Vintage: 2021
Varieties: Cabernet Franc
Style: Red Wine
ABV: 13%
Region: Loire Valley
Sub-Region or Appellation: Anjou
Viticulture: Organic
Age of Vines:
Soils: Clay, Sand, Schist
Elevation:
Yeasts: Indigenous
Vinification:
Aging: Barrels
Fining or Filtering: None
Sulfur: Minimal