Domaine des Bernard
– Chinon, France
Perched on the natural terraces above Cravant-les-Côteaux in the heart of AOC Chinon, Domaine des Bernard cultivates 11 hectares of vines organically, with ten devoted to Cabernet Franc and one to Chenin Blanc — the Loire’s “white gold.”
The vineyard slopes rest on sandy-loam and tuffeau soils, layered over colluvial deposits rich in limestone and flint. The estate is farmed under a nature-driven, organic regime: no external grapes, no chemical interventions, with a commitment to terroir expression and minimal intervention winemaking.
Founded in 2022, when wine-lover Bernard Gault took over the historic property, he brought in winemaking guidance from Nicolas Réau (of Clos des Treilles) and entrusted daily operations to Bernard Pelé. Together they manage the harvest by hand, use small crates for picking, apply gentle pressing, and rely exclusively on native yeasts. Additives, fining agents and external manipulations are avoided whenever possible; aging takes place either in concrete vats or oak barrels depending on the cuvée.
Production is capped at 53 000 bottles annually. The team maintains a strict policy of minimum sulphite addition (10 mg free where used) and fully estate-controlled sourcing.
Among its signature releases:
- Bois d’Arçon 2023 – A new Chenin Blanc crafted from high-slope vines, hand-picked, gently pressed and fermented naturally in vats, then aged 7-8 months on fine lees. Expect bright freshness with white-flower and quince notes.
- La Côte 2023 – Also a Chenin, vinified without additives and matured for 16 months in 400 L barrels (20% new oak). Shows layered texture and mineral precision.
- Pallus 2022 – A red Chinon that earned a Coup de Cœur distinction and three stars in the Guide Hachette des Vins 2026, noted for its luminous colour, ripe cassis and raspberry aromas and finely-woven tannins — a Chinon described as “touching perfection”.
This is a domaine fully committed to place, purity and expression — wines of Chinon that speak directly of slope, soil and soul.
