Clos Saragnat (Cidery)

Clos Saragnat (Cidery)

It is in Frelighsburg, on the site of one of the oldest apple orchards in Québec, that Louise Dupuis and Christian Barthomeuf established the Clos Saragnat winery in the spring of 2003. Covering some 35 hectares (86 acres) at an elevation of 220 meters (722 feet), the vineyard in an enviable location on the sunny southern slopes of Pinnacle Mountain, just 2 km (1.3 miles) from the US border (Vermont) and thus ideally situated along the 45th Parallel. Christian, who was one of the modern pioneers of viticulture in Québec, planted the first vineyard in Dunham in 1970 and invented ice cider (also know as ice apple wine) in 1989. Recipient of numerous awards and distinctions, including many gold medals, he was the driving force behind the creation of the Chapelle Ste-Agnès winery (www.vindeglace.com) and contributed to the regional success of La Face Cache de la pomme (www.cidredeglace.com) and the international success of Domaine Pinnacle (www.icecider.com). Christian will use his world class winemaking skills to produce the wines and ciders of Clos Saragnat. Louise, who worked for three years to perfect the vinegrowing methods of the famous Chapelle Ste Agnès winery, will bring with her to Clos Saragnat a broad experience in viticulture and the care of fruit trees.