Domaine de Noiré
Chinon | Loire Valley
What sets Domaine de Noiré apart is not only its impeccable terroir but also its understanding of the potential of old-vine Cabernet Franc in Chinon, one of the few Loire appellations dedicated to red wines. These are wines that strike an effortless balance between playful and profound—delicate floral perfumes reveal a multilayered mouthful of summer-ripe fruit and spices with each sip.
Manceau is as deeply rooted in Chinon as his many older Cabernet Franc vines. For years, he worked as an enologist for a local winery, while holding the presidency of the Chinon AOC and heading up a commission to preserve winemaking traditions in the greater Loire Valley. He and his wife Odile repurchased Domaine de Noiré in the early 2000s (the domaine once belonged to Odile’s family) and have quickly re-established the estate as a leading producer of exceptionally pure Cabernet Franc wines.
Estate vineyards are located between Chinon and Cravant, on a plateau with mineral-rich, stony soils, and face full south, allowing Cabernet Franc grapes to ripen fully, giving the resulting wines more structure and depth. Vines are on average 30 years old, and are certified organic. Harvest is done by hand, and grapes are destemmed and then fermented on indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks. Most wines are also aged in tank; some selections are fermented and aged in terracotta (clay) amphorae, a vessel that allows oxygen transfer but is neutral, unlike oak barrels.
Chinon Blanc 'Amphora'
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Chinon Rosé (Cabernet Franc)
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Chinon Rouge ‘Soif de Tendresse’
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Chinon Rouge 'Caractère'
A special selection of Cabernet Franc from some of the estate’s oldest vines, on limestone soils — a bit of Burgundy meets the Loire. Longer aging in large oak cask gives the wine its supple texture and depth.
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Chinon Rouge 'Dolia'
A “dolia” is the Latinate name for a terracotta amphora that’s specifically made for wine; often up to 3,000L in volume, and tulip-shaped. Winemaker Jean-Max Manceau was inspired by the winemaking practices of antiquity, thus his ‘Dolia,’ a pure Cabernet Franc wine, was aged exclusively in amphorae. Wonderfully textured and silky on the tongue, this ripe and spiced Cabernet Franc would be perfect with refined yet hearty autumn cuisine.
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Established: 2001
Winemaker: Jean-Max Manceau
Region: France • Loire Valley • Chinon
Vineyard size: 34 acres
CERTIFIED ORGANIC (PDF)