Clos cristal, a Loire virtuoso since 1890

A Loire
virtuoso
since 1890

To celebrate the 130th anniversary of Clos Cristal, the 2017 vintage was given a complete make-over with a prestige label exuding intimacy. It is designed as the finest expression of wines the Clos or walled vineyard has produced over its long history.

The wine is a fusion of the inspiration of its visionary creator, Antoine Cristal; a man-made walled vineyard with an almost mystic feel to it; and the work of passionate winegrowers, all sharing the same vision. Each bottle today encapsulates the Clos’ spirit and a desire shared by people, which is to be boldly creative, inventive and to enjoy France’s culture of living pleasure.

Boldly creative

Showing the purest respect for traditions, nature and vines, the winegrowers of Cave Robert & Marcel collectively perpetuate the heritage of this outstanding vineyard site, crafting a consummate organic red wine in the iconoclastic spirit of its creator, both for today and the future.

Established in 1890 in the heart of Saumur-Champigny by Antoine Cristal, this eponymous estate has become both legendary and iconic. The estate's fine wines epitomise its vibrancy, intensity and refinement.

Originally a man

Born in 1837 in Turquant, near Saumur, Antoine Cristal was not a winegrower by profession. After making his fortune in textiles, he returned to his native region. He had extremely high ambitions for Clos Cristal, and that was to compete with the finest red wines, a very tall order for a region which at the time was better known for its whites.

A liberty and crop place

A staunch republican, a free thinker and freemason, he was a dignitary who had connections with Allain-Targé and Charles Ferry. He was a friend of Georges Clemenceau who regularly paid him visits, and Claude Monet was also partial to Clos Cristal.

His wines travelled the world, from the prominent European courts to Japan and Russia, and of course France’s finest restaurants. It is said that King Edward VII of England had a particular penchant for them.

On 24^th December 1928, Antoine Cristal donated the Clos that bears his name to the Hospices de Saumur. The story has since been perpetuated by several generations of passionate winegrowers. Today the winegrowers of the Robert & Marcel co-operative winery, who created the Saumur-Champigny appellation, collectively tend to this monument to French history and culture.

Clos Cristal encapsulates a unique approach to wine and since its inception has cultivated the concept of living pleasure..

One of the world's greatest man-made vineyards

The vineyard marked its era by a new idea that is still unique today, and that is growing vines through walls. The technique creates a balance of light and shade, resulting in aromatic complexity and unrivalled intensity.

More than 3 km of walls were built on the estate and vines have grown through them and thrived for 130 years. The base of the vine is planted to the north, along the wall, and the plant passes through a hole. The canes, foliage and fruit therefore grow along the wall, facing south. With their base kept cool and their top in the sunshine, the vines allow the fruit to ripen up to a month earlier.

The technique reflects the unconventional mindset of Clos Cristal winegrowers, a vision that has been perpetuated from its creator to its current heirs.

Contrarian
and visionnary

Our terroir.

Located on the edge of the Saumur-Champigny appellation, Clos Cristal harbours ten hectares of vines inside its walls and through its gates. Steeped in history, its walls are listed as historic monuments.

Discover the video of Clos Cristal protected by its iconic walls.