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Domaine De Noiré Winery Guide

Cellar Tours Insight — Since 2003, Cellar Tours has planned private wine journeys through the world’s leading wine regions, pairing tailor-made itineraries with VIP winery visits, fine dining, and expert regional guidance.

Winery Overview

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!

Private Wine Tours in the Loire Valley

Private Wine Tours in the Loire Valley

Discover the Loire Valley with private château stays, refined winery visits, elegant Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, historic towns, and graceful riverside landscapes.

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Further Reading

Author

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James Lawrence

With a passion for food & drink that verges on the obsessive, wine writer James Lawrence has traveled the world in search of the perfect tipple. To date, nothing has surpassed the 1952 R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Rioja Reserva, tasted in the cobweb-filled cellars with owner María José. Meanwhile, James has written for a wide variety of publications, including The Telegraph, Decanter, Harpers Wine & Spirit, The Drinks Business, and Wine Business International. He lives in South Wales and returns to his former university city, Bilbao, as much as possible.

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