"Benedictine monks founded this estate in the 10th century, and there’s recorded history of winegrowing since at least 1238. The family of brothers Guillaume and Adrien Pire acquired the property in 1998, after moving back to France after years living in Madagascar and Mauritania (where they still do charitable work, such as creating a boat ambulance service in Madagascar and building a hospital in Mauritania). Unlike most of Saumur, all 15 hectares of Fosse-Sèche is silex, the coveted flinty soil. With about 70% Cabernet Franc and 30% Chenin Blanc, the Pires have been certified biodynamic since 2013 and are committed to aging in concrete eggs. This is an exciting young estate to watch."  Jason Wilson, Vinous.com, July 2020