Domaine Bernard Baudry
Domaine Bernard Baudry is a highly regarded winery located in the Chinon appellation of the Loire Valley, France. Founded in the 1970s by Bernard Baudry, the domaine has become synonymous with top-quality Cabernet Franc wines that epitomize the character and diversity of this historic region. Today, Bernard’s son, Matthieu Baudry, works alongside him, continuing the family tradition with a deep commitment to expressing the unique terroirs of Chinon.
Domaine Bernard Baudry is a highly regarded winery located in the Chinon appellation of the Loire Valley, France. Founded in the 1970s by Bernard Baudry, the domaine has become synonymous with top-quality Cabernet Franc wines that epitomize the character and diversity of this historic region. Today, Bernard’s son, Matthieu Baudry, works alongside him, continuing the family tradition with a deep commitment to expressing the unique terroirs of Chinon.
Domaine Bernard Baudry is a highly regarded winery located in the Chinon appellation of the Loire Valley, France. Founded in the 1970s by Bernard Baudry, the domaine has become synonymous with top-quality Cabernet Franc wines that epitomize the character and diversity of this historic region. Today, Bernard’s son, Matthieu Baudry, works alongside him, continuing the family tradition with a deep commitment to expressing the unique terroirs of Chinon.
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Vineyard and Terroir
The domaine spans approximately 32 hectares, with vineyards spread across a variety of soils, including gravel, sandy alluvium, clay-limestone, and silex. This diversity allows the Baudrys to craft wines that reflect the distinct characteristics of each terroir. The vineyards are farmed organically, and great care is taken to preserve the biodiversity and health of the soils, ensuring the vines produce grapes of exceptional quality.
Grape Varieties
The estate focuses almost exclusively onCabernet Franc, the signature red grape of the Chinon region. A small amount of Chenin Blanc is also cultivated for the production of a limited white wine.
Winemaking Philosophy
The Baudrys emphasize minimal intervention and traditional practices to preserve the authenticity of their wines. Grapes are harvested by hand and vinified using native yeasts. The wines are aged in a combination of concrete vats, stainless steel tanks, and old oak barrels, depending on the desired style and expression of the wine. This approach allows the personality of each vineyard site to shine through, resulting in wines with remarkable purity and depth.
Wines of Domaine Bernard Baudry
Cabernet Franc Reds
Light and Fruity Reds
Characteristics: Fresh, aromatic wines with bright red fruit flavors like cherry and raspberry, complemented by subtle herbal and floral notes. These wines are approachable in their youth and showcase the lighter, more delicate side of Cabernet Franc.
Example: "Les Granges," made from younger vines, offers immediate pleasure with its lively and juicy profile.
Structured and Age-Worthy Reds
Characteristics: Complex and layered wines with deeper flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and earth, often accented by graphite, tobacco, and spice. These wines have firmer tannins and a robust structure, making them ideal for aging.
Examples:
"Le Clos Guillot": From clay-limestone soils, this wine is elegant and balanced, with refined tannins and a long finish.
"La Croix Boissée": A flagship wine, it comes from a single vineyard with limestone-rich soils. Known for its power, minerality, and remarkable aging potential.
Single Vineyard and Terroir-Driven Reds
Characteristics: These wines highlight the unique expression of specific vineyard sites, showcasing the nuances of Chinon’s diverse soils. They often combine ripe fruit with a marked sense of place.
Chenin Blanc
Characteristics: The domaine also produces a small quantity of white wine from Chenin Blanc. Crisp and mineral-driven, with flavors of green apple, pear, and citrus, the wine is fresh and vibrant, reflecting the same terroir-focused philosophy as their reds.
Example: "La Croix Boissée Blanc" is a rare and distinctive wine with excellent aging potential.
Style and Reputation
Domaine Bernard Baudry’s wines are celebrated for their precision, elegance, and capacity to age gracefully. The estate has become a benchmark for Chinon, admired for its ability to capture the essence of Cabernet Franc in both its approachable, fruit-forward expressions and its more structured, cellar-worthy bottlings. The Baudrys’ dedication to sustainable practices and their respect for terroir make Domaine Bernard Baudry a standout producer in the Loire Valley.
