Henry Marionnet - Domaine de La Charmoise

Unconventional methods in an innovative field

It was during the twentieth century that Henry Marionnet began operating the Domaine de la Charmoise, in Soings-en-Sologne, in the Tours region. In the heart of the Loire Valley, he decided to replant the entire estate, while expanding it. This outrageous project, from 1967 to 1978, led to the reinsertion in Touraine of old grape varieties such as Gamay de Bouze or Romorantin. Added to this were winemaking methods that differed from the classic methods that ended up giving the wines a completely new aromatic profile. As a result of his significant advances, Henry Marionnet also acquired 6 hectares of vines known as "franches de pied", i.e. untouched by the phylloxera epidemic of the 14th century, and bicentennial Romorantin vines planted in 1820. In 2000, his son Jean-Sébastien took over the management of the estate to continue his father's work. Currently, he is leading his vineyards in the conversion to organic farming to ensure greater respect for the fruit and the quality of the resulting wines.

Wines that reflect their terroir

Although planted with forgotten grape varieties, the 60-hectare estate is dominated by a mix of Gamay Noir and Sauvignon.
Located in the eastern part of the Touraine vineyard, it enjoys a microclimate that greatly benefits the grapes. Its continental climate allows the berries to reach an optimal level of maturity, while protecting them from frosts, real plagues of the viticulture. The clay and flint soils interspersed with silica and gravel are the final ingredient in the recipe for the Marionnet family's wines.
Manual harvesting and vinification without sulphur and in inert containers are the last stones in the edifice that make the wines of Domaine de la Charmoise the nuggets they are today.

The revival of Touraine vintages

The red wines of the property come under 5 different labels. Without exception, they feature the house's unconventional winemaking methods: no sulfur or any oenological intervention. The diversity of the resulting cuvées, however, is astonishing. This variety comes from the different parcels that transmit the unique quality of their terroir: from old vines, ancient grape varieties, or free-standing vines, each berry reveals its own characteristics combined with the unique terroirs that bear them. This results in wines that are sometimes fresh and gourmet, sometimes dense and elegant.

As for the white wines, the same natural methods are applied to the vinification of the vintages. These are generally marked by a surprising smoothness of volume and density where we find on the one hand aromas of white fruits, on the other hand notes of exotic fruits. Most of the white wines come from old vines that offer exceptionally concentrated berries that can be found in the wines produced. Special mention for the cuvée Provignage from the oldest vine in France appraised by INRA. Its more than two centuries old vines give a wine of incredible finesse and elegance.