Domaine de la Rochette

The history of Domaine de la Rochette en Loire

Domaine de la Rochette has been in Vincent Leclair's family for four generations. Taking over his father's fifty hectares of vines in 2014, Vincent Leclair has made a few changes to the management of the vineyard, adding his own touch. For example, he keeps the grass in the rows to enrich the soil via other types of plant, and he has also stopped using insecticides, preferring instead sexual confusion hormones: a highly effective means of combating insects harmful to the vines. He then invested in new equipment, much more precise in its application. These include new tanks and new tractors. Although he is an enthusiast of organic viticulture, he admits that it is rather difficult to implement because the Touraine region experiences a lot of rain throughout the year, resulting in a higher risk of disease. With his new equipment, he has nevertheless managed to reduce his treatments by around 50%. Treatments against mildew and powdery mildew, two diseases that are rampant in the vineyards, are therefore carried out as little as possible. The estate is HVE certified.

The grape varieties used by Domaine de la Rochette

Located in Pouillé, a small wine-growing village on the banks of the Cher in the heart of the Loire Valley, the estate is set on multiple terroirs. The plots are located on the slopes of the Cher river and benefit from a semi-continental climate, on a soil that is well known in this vineyard: the "perruches" (clay with flint, silica and gravel). Most plots, especially for Sauvignon, are optimally exposed on fairly steep slopes, perfect for natural drainage. Other grape varieties grown on the estate include Gamay, Pinot Noir, Pineau d'Aunis, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Chenin Blanc...

The wines of Domaine de la Rochette

In short, it's a whole assortment that our protagonist takes advantage of to produce a range as diverse as it is exceptional. Sauvignon Blanc remains the dominant grape variety, planted on around 25 hectares of the 46-hectare estate. Vincent has a clear vision of what he wants: he only works with quality grapes. To achieve this, he practises serious and precise viticulture to work with the best possible grapes, the keystone of a great wine. He is also part of a group of local winemakers keen to raise the quality standards of the Touraine appellation. Together, they exchange ideas on the most appropriate practices for different vintages. In 2011, Vincent Leclair was also one of the founders of the Chenonceaux appellation...