Domaine de l'Espérance

The estate takes its name from the place where it stands: l'Espérance, in Tillières, today part of the municipality of Sèvremoine, near Clisson and at the foot of the Armorican Massif. The Chesné family has farmed here since the 1930s, and there are now four generations.

It was Raymond Chesné who, after the Second World War, built a cellar to vinify and sell the wine himself instead of handing over the grapes. His son, also Raymond, specialised in viticulture in 1968 and won medals at the Concours Général Agricole in Paris. One of the house's cuvées carries his name today.

The fourth generation is a brother and sister: Patrice Chesné, established in 1992 after training in viticulture, and Anne-Sophie, who became a partner in 2004 with a background in business management. The estate is a Vigneron Indépendant and holds HVE certification.

Melon de Bourgogne for Muscadet Sèvre et Maine is their main production, on soils of slate, granite and gneiss. They also grow Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Abouriou, an uncommon variety. Their cuvées are Prestige de l'Espérance, R de Famille and Raymond; the Prestige ages sur lie in stainless steel for at least one winter.