Château de Minière

The history of the domain
The Château de Minière is an estate in the Loire Valley. Initially a fortified farm in the 15th century, the residence then became a manor during the 16th century, before finally becoming a castle.

Managed by women for two centuries, the Château de Minière was bought by Bertrand and Evelyne Mascarel in 1995. Since 2010, Sigurd and Kathleen Mareels - Van den Berghe are the new owners of the estate.

In the feminine tradition of Château de Minière, Kathleen takes over the entire management of the 15 hectare vineyard. Since 2010, the château has been greatly straightened and developed.

The terroir
The Château de Minière vineyard covers 15 hectares of vines, spread over three of the seven communes of the Bourgueil appellation: Ingrandes-de-Touraine, Restigné and Benais.

The soils are divided between the gravel of the Loire bank and the silty and siliceous hillsides that dominate the valley. Today, the vines, aged between 10 and 100 years, cover 29 hectares and are planted solely with Cabernet Franc.

All the vines are certified by the Ecocert label in Organic Agriculture since 2013. The grapes are harvested manually and rigorously sorted. The old vines are aged in barrels, and the other grapes are aged in small vats to make parcel selections.

The wines
The wines produced by the chateau are fruity, delicate and flavorful, thanks in part to the great diversity of soils and the varied age of the vines.

The Bulles de Minière red cuvée is a natural Loire sparkling wine, made with Cabernet Franc using the ancestral method (fermentation in the bottle without adding yeast or sugar). As expressive on the nose as on the dress, the wine gives off aromas of red fruits. Perfect as an aperitif as well as with chocolate or red fruit desserts.

The Belles de Minière rosé cuvée is a natural Loire sparkling wine, made like its colleague. With a soft pink color and a very fruity and aromatic nose, this wine is great as an aperitif, with dessert or with light dishes such as white flesh fish or vegetable salads.

The Château de Minière is the estate's signature vintage. With an intense garnet color as well as an opulent nose on red fruits, there are some light spicy notes. The mouth is straight and reveals nice fine and silky tannins. Perfect with grilled meats, game or terrines.

The Vignes Centenaires de Minière cuvée is arguably the most complex of the estate. Made from very old vines located on the best tufa soil, this wine is as powerful as it is elegant, offering notes of black currant and blackberry. A wine for gourmets, it will sublimate a red meat or a game.