Domaine Bernard Baudry, nestled in the heart of the picturesque Loire Valley in France, is a family-owned and operated winery that has been producing exceptional wines for over 40 years. The estate was founded by Bernard Baudry, a son of a winemaking family, who started his career as a vine-tending consultant at the renowned Tours laboratory. There, he had the opportunity to work with the legendary Jacques Puisais and further his knowledge of oenology. After studying in Beaune, Bernard took the leap and started his own estate in 1975 with just 2 hectares of vines.
Today, Bernard's son Matthieu has joined him in carrying on the family tradition. After studying in the prestigious Mâcon and Bordeaux regions, Matthieu gained international experience by working in Tasmania and California before returning to the estate in 2000.
Domaine Bernard Baudry now boasts 32 hectares of vineyards, spread across the AOC Chinon in Cravant les Coteaux and Chinon. The majority of the grape varietal grown is Cabernet Franc (90%), with a small production of Chenin Blanc (10%). The vineyards are situated on diverse terroirs, including gravel plains, limestone slopes, and sandy limestone plateaus, which allow for a variety of winemaking techniques.
The vineyard has always been maintained using environmentally friendly methods, with no chemical weed killers and a focus on observation and common sense. In 2006, the entire vineyard transitioned to organic farming, with a compost made from cow manure and straw used to rebalance the soil. Phytosanitary interventions are limited and controlled, utilizing natural products such as copper, sulfur, and plants like horsetail and nettles.
At Domaine Bernard Baudry, the goal is to showcase the elegance, balance, and aromatic freshness of Cabernet Franc in each bottle, in harmony with the unique terroirs and climatic conditions of each vintage. The red and rosé wines are made exclusively from Cabernet Franc, while the white wines are crafted from Chenin Blanc, a variety indigenous to the Loire Valley and known for its ability to adapt to different soils and micro-climates.
At Bernard Baudry, they believe that their wines should reflect the true character of the region and the grapes they use. This dedication to quality and authenticity has earned them a loyal following and numerous accolades. Visit Domaine Bernard Baudry and experience the passion and expertise of a family committed to producing exceptional wines.
