The Loire Valley remains a relatively niche region in the world of wine auctions. In 2023, it only accounted for 5.8% of the total volumes traded on iDealwine. Yet, despite this modest share, the diversity of wines produced along the river offers an exciting and rich field of exploration for winemakers, many of whom are committed to organic, biodynamic, or even natural viticulture. This dedication to quality and sustainability, in turn, offers wine enthusiasts the chance to expand their horizons! And last month, these enthusiasts certainly did not hold back their enthusiasm. While long-established names still command relatively stable prices, some of the more niche producers continue to make waves in the auction market. Here’s a look at the impressive results from last month on iDealwine.
Clos Rougeard – a classic?
Do Clos Rougeard wines now belong in the list of fine classics? Based on the stable results seen over recent weeks, it seems that Clos Rougeard, the flagship estate of the Saumur-Champigny appellation, has firmly established itself as a ‘safe bet.’ This is a rare stance in the region, with its wines having settled at consistently high prices. For instance, the 2010 Saumur-Champigny Le Bourg sold for €495 (+4%), while the 2005 obtained €426, the 2009 reached €376 (+8%), the 2007 went for €361 (+18%), and the 2016 went under the hammer for €338. As for the recently released 2017 vintage, it is currently trading at €326. Another of the estate’s iconic wines, Les Poyeux, is also making its mark, with the 2010 ranking highest with a hammer price of €334. The 2014 obtained €288 (+15%) and the 2016 attained €263. When it comes to white wine, the 2009 Saumur Brézé took the lead, obtaining €238, closely followed by the 2010 at €225. Noteworthy, too, is the growing success of wines from Domaine du Collier, under the helm of the son of one of Clos Rougeard’s former owners. The 2019 Saumur La Charpentrie went for a hammer price of €163 last month on iDealwine, an increase of 8%.
Domaine Dagueneau rarities
The ‘declassification’ of the Silex wine to Vin de France in 2017 did not tarnish the star that continues to shine over this estate, now managed by Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau. The 2017 vintage, specifically, sold for €175 in October on iDealwine (+16%). Older vintages, which still bear the AOC Pouilly-Fumé designation from where the cuvée originates, were auctioned with the 2003 selling for €401 (+64%), the 2007 for €250, both the 2010 and 2002 for €188, and the 2015 for €175. It’s worth mentioning that the rare 2014 Astéroïde went under the hammer for €1,340, while the estate’s 2008 Sancerre Le Mont Damné sold for €215.
Domaine Charles Joguet magnums
When it comes to Chinon, Domaine Charles Joguet is quite naturally a name that consistently stands out at auctions on iDealwine. Last month, the estate’s Clos de la Dioterie cuvée, made from old vines, was available in the 1995 vintage. It was a rare find that sold for €338 (+7%), while the classic Clos de la Dioterie cuvée, also as a magnum, obtained €225 for the 1997 (+17%) and €163 for the 1999 (+25%). The Clos du Chêne Vert, in the same format, crossed the €100 threshold, selling for €106 for the 2000 vintage (+47%).
Great names for natural wines in the Loire
Some Loire producers consistently rank at the top of the auction podium, highly sought after for their production methods. For instance, the Vin de France Genèse from Les Jardins Esméraldins maintains its strong value, with a bottle of 2004 selling for €1,064. A price worthy of a collectable bottle. From Stéphane Bernaudeau, the Nourrissons cuvée reached €275 for the 2017 vintage, and the 2003 Vignes Centenaires was auctioned for €282. As for the Sancerres from Edmond Vatan, his tiny Clos de la Néore sold for €275 for both the 2009 and 2016 vintages. Meanwhile, the Anjou wines produced by Richard Leroy, particularly the Noëls de Montbenault, continue to generate strong demand at auction. The prices for very recent vintages are tightly clustered together: €313 for the 2020, €304 for the 2021, and €300 for the 2019. The price of Clos de la Coulée de Serrant continues to appreciate over time. A 1994 Savennières recently reached €163 (+18%), while the 2016 vintage is already obtaining €119 (+19%). Also worth noting, the 2021 Anicroche (a Chenin from Domaine Helicon) went under the hammer for €113 and the Frênesie cuvée from the same estate was auctioned for €106. Les Fouchardes from Mark Angeli cannot be overlooked, as a bottle from the 2010 vintage sold for €101 and a bottle of 2020 Rouères from Belargus was auctioned for €94. From Touraine, Nicolas Barbou’s 2021 Chardonnay Alchimie Passionnelle sold for €138, while 2020 Utopie Créative (a Sauvignon Blanc) obtained €135.
In Auvergne, several names stand out. Aurélien Lefort saw his 2016 Ipno+ cuvée – a Pinot Noir – reach a whopping €1,002. Jérôme Saurigny’s 2011 Gamma GT, a blend of Gamay and Grolleau, sold for €151. Patrick Bouju’s 2018 La Bohème, made from local grape varieties whose vines were planted in 1893, changed hands for €119.
At the other end of the river, the Bourgueils from Domaine du Bel Air continue to captivate wine enthusiasts, the 2016 Clos Nouveau reached €104 (+4%). In the Muscadet, Jérôme Bretaudeau leads the way with his ongoing experiments: the 2020 Muscadet Gaia cuvée sold for €67, 2021 La Justice – a rare blend of Chardonnay and Savagnin – reached €63, while the red wines, 2016 V Sens – a blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot – went for €63, and 2018 Ornaté – a Merlot – obtained €50. Prices still remain relatively accessible for those looking to explore the many facets of this exceptional winemaker.
Here is an overview of the main auction results held on iDealwine in October 2024
Request a free price estimate of your wines
Find out more about selling your wines on iDealwine
