Domaine Laureau

Wine has been grown in this small appellation in the heart of the Loire since the early 12th century, when Cistercian monks planted the first vines on the famous cru La Roche-aux-Moines. In modern times, the area has grown to just 156 ha and is planted exclusively with Chenin Blanc, the grape that thrives on the shallow, warm soils consisting of plateau sand, schist (green, grey and purple), sandstone and granitic rhyolite of volcanic origin. In the late 1990s, a few young winemakers settled in this small appellation on the Loire. One of these newcomers is Damien Laureau.

Damien Laureau
In the mid-1990s, Damien Laureau made the switch from agricultural engineer to winemaker. After gaining experience with his uncle in Anjou, he acquired his own new estate and winery in Epiré in 2006. Little by little, the vineyard arsenal is expanded to 8.8 ha and since 2012, organic farming has been carried out. Damien and his wife are in charge.

Unique style of wines for the region
All harvesting is done manually and vinification is traditional with a very controlled use of sulphites. Fermentation is done only by natural yeasts. Long-term skin contact gives the wines texture without making them heavy. During the first year in barrels, there is no bâtonnage, as Damien considers this an artificial method of enriching the wine, something he believes should be achieved in the vineyard rather than in the cellar. Maturation takes place in both tanks and 400-litre wooden barrels. He only uses – partly – new barrels for the cuvées Le Bel Ouvrage and Roche-aux-Moines. A special feature is the use of malolactic fermentation, which results in unique wines for the region with a beautiful balance between fruit and the mineral elements of the schist.

The top of the appellation
Despite being self-taught and not from the region, the very friendly and likeable Damien is praised for his talent. Over the past 15 years, his star has been rising as he has proven time and again to produce wines that belong to the top of the appellation. We are happy and proud with this beautiful addition to our French portfolio. A highlight in 2020, and every time we taste these wines: enormous precision, richness, concentration, lively acidity and length.