Domaine De Noiré Winery Guide

One of the most respected names in the Loire Valley, the superb Domaine De Noiré family-run wine estate has long been regarded as the benchmark for Cabernet Franc – delicious, soft, and elegant wines for any occasion. The effervescent owner and winemaker, Jean-Max Manceau, makes wine without compromise and with a dedication solely to high quality. This has resulted in his wines pushing the boundaries, particularly the astonishing special cuvée Elegance. The wine’s description suits it perfectly!

The property has a long and distinguished history, dating back to the 18th century. The Blouin family acquired the estate in 1759 and built the first winery at Domaine De Noire. The property drew its name from the exceptional terroir of the “Clos de Noire,” a legendary neighboring vineyard. The estate remained in the family’s control for four generations, each lovingly passing on the wine-making legacy to their children. As a result, its reputation for quality and excellence grew. The property was relatively unaffected by the French Revolution and turmoils in the 20th century and enjoyed a stable and prosperous existence. Then, in 2002, it caught the eye of Jean-Max, who was undoubtedly a man about town, or in this case, the Loire Valley! Not only was he president of the Chinon Appellation body, but he also sat at the head of a commission that aims to keep the practices of Loire growers and winemakers true to the region’s traditions. No one was better qualified to manage the estate.

Manceau and his wife Odile have taken the property to new heights and produced top-quality wines since taking over Domaine’s running in 2002. Our guests to this beautiful and tranquil estate will find it hard not to be infected by their combined enthusiasm for Cabernet Franc—these are very dedicated artisans who seek, above all, to capture the purest expression of this native varietal. They cultivate an exceptional terroir, a combination of gravel and chalk ideal for Cabernet Franc; tasters are wowed by the perfume and elegance – notes of violets and flint on the nose. Truly, this is a connoisseur’s wine!

Wines produced

  • Soif De Tendresse

    100% Cabernet Franc. Fermented in stainless steel tanks. A young, fresh wine for early drinking. Produced from low yielding vineyards.
  • Elegance

    100% Cabernet Franc. Fermented in stainless steel tanks. A more structured wine with the ageing potential of 5-8 years. Produced from low yielding vineyards.
  • Rose

    100% Cabernet Franc. Fermented in stainless steel tanks. A soft, lighter wine for early drinking. Produced from low yielding vineyards..
  • Caractere

    100% Cabernet Franc. Fermented in stainless steel tanks. Aged in 400 litre oak barrels for greater complexity and structure. Ageing potential of 10-15 years. Produced from low yielding vineyards.

Facts & Figures

Appellation

Chinon

Founded

1904

Area under Vine

12 hectares

Age of vines

55 years

Oak barrel origin

French

Winemaker

Jean-Max Manceau

Owner

Jean-Max Manceau

Production

65,000 bottles per annum

Grape varietals

Cabernet Franc

Grape Varieties Used by the Winery

  • Cabernet Franc

    Cabernet Franc grape is a close relative of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and is the principal blending grape used in Bordeaux.

    Find out more

Winery Appellations

More information

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Cellar Tours Private Luxury Food & Wine Tours

Cellar Tours

Welcome to Cellar Tours, the premier Luxury Travel Specialist since 2003. Our goal is to provide you with the ultimate food and wine vacation experience, with exclusive Mercedes chauffeured tours that showcase the best of local cuisine and wines.

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