DOMAINE DES HUARDS

The History of the Loon Estate

The Gendrier family has owned the family Domaine des Huards since 1846. Today, there are 7 generations that have succeeded each other to take over from the founder, Pierre Gendrier.

The history of the Domaine des Huards is closely linked to the history of the Romorantin grape variety, both rare and unique. In 1950, its vineyards covered four hectares of vines, mostly dedicated to the Romorantin grape. The 1960s were devoted to the development of the vineyard, as well as to the diversification of the grape varieties, even if the Romorantin remains the emblematic grape variety of the Domaine des Huards.

Located between the Sologne and the Loire, the estate is close to the Chateau de Cheverny and the Chambord Castle. It is now run by Jocelyne and Michel Gendrier.

The Domaine des Huards vineyard

The Domaine des Huards vineyard covers 39 hectares, on parcels located between the Sologne and the Loire. They benefit from a semi-oceanic climate, slightly more continental than that of the Loire Valley and Touraine.

The grape variety is made up for red wines of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Gamay Noir with white juice; for white wines of 50% Romorantin, 42% Sauvignon Blanc and 8% Chardonnay. The average age of the vines is 35 years and Domaine des Huards produces an average of 180,000 bottles per year.

The terroir is quite varied, with clay-limestone plots suitable for Pinot Noir and Romorantin, and clay-silica soils for Gamay.

The Domaine des Huards began growing Romorantin grapes in 1922, planted by Eugène Magloire Gendrier. Romorantin was introduced to the region by King François 1er. In 1519, he had 80,000 vines transplanted from their Burgundian cradle, near the castle of Romorantin. Today, it is the exclusive grape variety of the Cour-Cheverny appellation.

Domaine des Huards has been driven biodynamically since 1998.

The wines of Domaine des Huards

Romo - AOC Cour Cheverny - 100% Romorantin

Romo offers a frank nose, with notes of citrus and honey, on a mineral background. Its mouth is harmonious and vigorous, with a very long persistence.

François 1er - AOC Cour Cheverny - 100% Romorantin

The François 1er wine is made from vines with an average age of 75 years. Its refined nose announces an ample mouth, dominated by notes of mirabelle plum and with a touch of minerality.

JM Tendresse - AOC Cour Cheverny - 100% Romorantin

JM Tendresse is a semi-dry wine with a luminous robe and golden reflections. Its nose is fresh and fine, imbued with honey aromas. Its harmonious and suave mouth appears very floral and fruity with mango, citrus and mirabelle plums.

Pure - AOC Cheverny - Sauvignon & Chardonnay

Pure offers a subtle and fresh nose, dominated by citrus flavors. Its palate is full and exceptionally long.

La Haute Pinglerie - AOC Cheverny - Sauvignon & Chardonnay

La Haute Pinglerie offers a fine and frank nose. Its slightly buttery mouth is ample and smooth, dominated by almond aromas.