Touraine Chenonceaux, Domaine de la Renaudie 2021

An estate that consistently wins the enthusiasm of our members, Domaine de la Renaudie is in fact itself owned by a family of wine enthusiasts in the form of husband-and-wife partnership Patricia and Bruno Denis and their daughter Charlotte. It was established in 1928 by Albert Denis, with just two hectares.

Charlotte returned to the family domaine in 2016 to take over the winemaking from Patricia and Bruno, who still prefers his work in the vineyards. This is a modest family-run operation, but one that has worked hard over the years to develop the quality and character of their wines, drawing on their experience further afield in the industry (Patricia trained in Bordeaux, Charlotte did placements in Rutherglen and the Cape). Their intentions are simple: to make elegant wines that will bring pleasure to lovers both of wine and of life. Since Charlotte joined her parents, crops have been planted between the vines for nitrogen or water retention, and no sulphur is used during fermentation, giving the wines a readier, fruity expression.

Situated in Mareuil-sur-Cher in the south of the Touraine region of Val de Loire, their vineyards lie on the slopes of the river Cher’s left bank in the terroir de Chenonceaux (the new appellation which Patricia was involved in establishing, releasing the first vintage in 2011). They farm 30 hectares of vineyards, the majority of which are sauvignon blanc and gamay, plus cabernet and malbec and small amounts of chenin blanc, chardonnay, pinot noir and pineau d’aunis. There has always been malbec planted - a favourite of Albert Denis, whose name is honoured on the varietal bottling - and it is now benefiting from the impact of climate change, allowing less extraction. Sustainable practices are followed, with certification from Terra Vitis for many years, and HVE from the 2020 vintage.

The sandy clay soils are covered with stones that capture heat from the sunshine and release it at night to keep temperatures moderated in the vineyard. Combined with the continental, temperate climate, this means that grapes can ripen slowly and retain their natural aromatic character.

Visitors are guaranteed a warm welcome in the tasting room and cellar - look out for the green bottle roadsign in the garden of the Denis' home.