DOMAINE DE LA MARINIÈRE

“Boris diligently tends to the family domaine’s older vines and creates what we’re calling new classics of Chinon. ”

Domaine Overview

Year Founded: 1965

Winemaker: Boris Desbourdes

Location: Panzoult, Chinon

Size: 15 hectares

Grapes: Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc

Farming: Certified organic

Before Boris, there was his grandparents. In the 1960s their polyculture farm in eastern Chinon was allocated to more livestock and grain than grapes. And also Before Boris there was his father Renaud, who in the 1990s expanded grape’s territory across the domaine.

The mix of limestone and gravelly sand at the domaine, combined with Boris’ signatures of hand-harvesting, native yeast, and organic farming open up a world of wines that select the best of Chinon’s traditions to marry new, vibrant practices. In many ways, Domaine de la Marinière sets the stage for new classics in the Loire.

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The Wines

Haut Medoc (Copy) (Copy)

The Haut Medocs see very little new oak, 25% usually, but it all depends of the vintage. The wines feel very terroir driven, age worthy, but are absolutely drinkable in their youth (2008 and 2009 are great today).

Petit Juag (Copy) (Copy)

Michel’s vineyards within the Clos du Jaugueyron in Margaux are separated into two parcels: Grand Jaugueyron and Petit Jaugueyron, which both have histories dating back to 1898. These grapes are sourced from the latter, which is planted with younger vines. Because of this, it is a Margaux that is ready and rearing to go, and is incredibly delicious!

Margaux Nout (Copy) (Copy)

The Margaux "Nout" (2015) sees 50% more new oak and is 55% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon from 25 year old vines in Macau, a fresher Margaux.

Clos du Jaugueyron (Copy) (Copy)

​The Clos du Jaugueyron is the most important wine Michel makes. Long, complex, probably indestructible, it is a wine that is true to the traditions of Margaux; without the Chateau owner, the cellar master and the army of workers. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc.