La Maison Ackerman
Fine Sparkling Wines of Saumur
Over 200 years of passion and history
A pioneer and specialist in fine sparkling wines, Jean-Baptiste Ackerman introduced to our region the elaboration of Saumur Brut and Crémant de Loire according to the traditional method. Deeply rooted for over two centuries, since 1811, at the heart of the vineyard, and driven by an uncompromising commitment to quality combined with the professionalism of our teams, Maison Ackerman has become a key player in the Loire Valley.
Located in Saumur, Maison Ackerman also brings together charm, Loire Valley landscapes and the heritage prestige of great wine Houses. It is home to a true jewel of the region: the highest troglodyte cellars in the area, bearing the marks of time and human craftsmanship, combining the art of blending with an immersive, land art–inspired experience. With a strong desire to enhance our beautiful region and its heritage, we are fully committed to tourism development and to supporting contemporary art, notably since 2015 with the creation of an Artists’ Residency. In 2016, we were recognised as a benchmark for wine tourism in France by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development. Today, we welcome nearly 40,000 visitors each year.
A troglodyte heritage, unmissable cellars
A House established in the Loire Valley for over two centuries
Maison Ackerman was born under a lucky star, having been founded in 1811 – the year of an exceptional vintage harvest.
Our House takes its name from Jean-Baptiste Ackerman. A bold, curious and talented young man from Brussels, Jean-Baptiste settled in Saumur, where the Thouet meets the Loire, the main transport route for goods (wine and tufa stone) in France at the time. His new roots took hold along the banks of this river and within the troglodyte cellars that line them. It is here that the historic site of our House was established.
A true love story first blossomed between Jean-Baptiste and Saumur, and then between Jean-Baptiste and a local woman, Emilie Laurance, whom he married in 1829. From their union was born Louis-Ferdinand, who would succeed his father in 1866.
This marked the beginning of an extraordinary family saga.
Boldness, the price of success!
Jean-Baptiste achieved the remarkable feat of unlocking the secret of the effervescence of Saumur wines. He was the first to apply the traditional method to the white wines of the Saumur region as early as the 1820s. After several years of experimentation and refinement, his first bottles of fine sparkling wine met with considerable success, winning numerous medals at trade fairs and exhibitions in France – notably at the 1839 Paris Industrial Exhibition – and abroad. With nearly a hundred awards each year, Ackerman fine sparkling wines continue to build the reputation of our House today, positioning it as a true benchmark for Loire Valley wines.
True to the boldness of our founder and his successors, we are committed to perpetuating this heritage, from vine growing through to the marketing of our wines. With nearly 105 hectares of vineyard parcels spread across the Loire Valley, we benefit from an exceptional terroir that allows us to fully express our knowledge and expertise. Being the leader in Loire Valley fine sparkling wines requires the highest standards – a challenge we meet thanks to the daily commitment and passion of our employees, winegrowers and partners. We are all proud to contribute to the reputation of our region and its terroirs.
A benchmark for hedonists and fine sparkling wine enthusiasts
For over two centuries, Maison Ackerman has been recognised as the custodian of exceptional know-how. Drawing strength from its Saumur roots, our House has won over its customers with a signature that is unmistakably its own.
Wine lovers have long known that by placing their trust in Maison Ackerman, they are guaranteed to enjoy elegant Loire Valley wines with true character – wines that lend themselves equally to simple moments of pleasure and to more exceptional tasting experiences.
Our values: Elegance, Diversity, Boldness
Maison Ackerman in a few words
A strong commitment to the vineyard, from pruning to harvest. An estate-owned vineyard.
Over 200 years of know-how and ageing to the highest standards: wines crafted and treated like great crus.
An R&D centre located at the very heart of the vineyard.
State-of-the-art industrial facilities for both vinification and bottling.
A leading position: while the Loire Valley is France’s leading producer of sparkling wines after Champagne, Ackerman is its foremost operator.
Wide and targeted distribution: Ackerman is the leader in Loire Valley fine sparkling wines, with notably strong market positions in the AOC Crémant de Loire and Saumur segments.
An innovative spirit: faithful to the pioneering vision of Jean-Baptiste, Ackerman has pursued a dynamic approach to innovation in fine sparkling wines, with cuvées that help broaden the market and attract new consumers, such as X Noir, XRouge, Blanc de Noir, Ambrosa, Affinity…
Maison Ackerman offers wines defined by accessibility, liveliness, brightness and indulgence.
