The Winemaker
Lionel Gosseaume
Lionel Gosseaume comes from a long line of Touraine winegrowers, growing up amongst vineyards. Although he spent most of his adult life distanced from these vineyards, he returned home, embracing his calling. He set up his own Domaine in 2007, acquiring a vineyard from his father’s friend who, still working in the vineyard today, imparted many lessons to Lionel, including the importance of truly understanding your vines to get the most out of them. He was elected President of InterLoire in 2021, a position that supports the promotion of Loire Valley Wines, as well as the eco-friendly transition of Loire Valley vineyards.
metier of liberté
I’m lucky enough to work in a metier of liberté (a profession of freedom) that encompasses a real diversity of daily tasks. I can be walking through the vines one day, working in the winery another, talking to a sommelier or discussing something with one of my importers another. I think I’m open minded and curious as a result and happy to embrace new ideas and concepts.
– Lionel Gosseaume
Wine Region
Lionel’s vineyards are located in Touraine, in the heart of the Loire Valley, on a plateau known as the Sologne Viticole. Most of Lionel’s wine production is the famed Sauvignon Blanc. The Chateau de Chambord, famous for its grandeur and distinct French Renaissance architecture style is nearby, in Loir-et-Cher.
Growing GAMAY
The clay and silt soils, known locally as “Sables de Sologne” are well suited to the production of light, fruity wines and allow good drainage. The cooler microclimate of Touraine is conducive to the slow, even ripening of Gamay grapes, leading to the development of balanced acidity and expressive flavours in the wine. The grapes are harvested late to ensure full ripening of the grape skins which contain the tannins. While Gamay’s spiritual home maybe in Bourgogne, these old Loire Valley vines under the thoughtful care of Lionel Gosseaume produce a mouth-wateringly bright style packed with flavour.
Working with Canned wine Co.
Canned Wine Co. is clearly focused on providing quality wines to its customers above everything else and this was clear from the outset. Creating quality wines is my ‘raison d’être’ too.”
– Lionel Gosseaume
Sustainability Initiatives
Changemaker – HVE Certified – Innovation
Lionel Gosseaume’s winery is Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) certified, a French agricultural certification that recognises a high level of commitment to protecting and enriching the environment. Lionel, using his influence with the InterLoire and Touraine winemakers, has actively challenged bottle weights and led conversations to improve sustainable practices in the region. In his vineyards, Lionel uses an electric viti-bot in the vineyards – a technological alternative to spraying insecticides. He has also planted 500 metres of hedgerow to attract birds and small predators as a natural control in the vineyard. Rainwater is collected and used for non-alimentary (not for eating!) purposes.
Become a stockist
Vintage & varietal, high quality, accessible and sustainable.
There’s never been a better time to stock wine in can. The wine market is changing and we would love you to be a part of that change.
