Domaine Gouron

Cravant-les-Coteaux, Chinon, Loire, France

Domaine Gouron, a family-owned estate, holds outstanding terroirs around the village of Cravant-les-Coteaux in the heart of Chinon. Brothers Laurent and Stéphane Gouron carry on the work of their father and grandfather, René, who founded the estate in 1947 with only four hectares of vines and sold direct to Paris bistros. Today, the estate consists of 28 hectares of vineyards which are evenly divided between the hillsides and the plateau.  Yellow tuffeau (soft clay-limestone characteristic of the area), along with shelly debris, prevails on the slopes, while the plateau is mainly sandy clay with flint and gravel. These distinct soil types allow for the creation of different cuvées that highlight the expression of each terroir.

The brothers take a lute-raisonee (sustainable) approach in the vineyards. The vines are not treated systematically, and natural green cover crops are planted between rows to help manage the vine’s vigor and preserve organic matter. Stems and leaves remain on the soil and are shredded to enhance microbial life and benefit pest predators.

Laurent and Stephane handle all winemaking duties and do their best to allow the wines to reach their full potential. True to tradition, their wines are aged in tanks or barrels before the bottles are cellared and aged under ideal conditions in tuffeau cellars and bottled at the estate.

Our Selections

Chinon Rouge Cuvee Domaine 2020

Made from 35+ year old Cabernet Franc vines planted 90% to sand and gravel and 10% to flint and gravel. Fully de-stemmed with fermentation in stainless steel. Very youthful with aromas of violets, black pepper and cranberry that practically jump out of the glass. “With vines on the prestigious slope of Cravant-les-Coteaux, this producer has crafted a perfumed wine. Still young, this has potential, promising ripe black fruits, smokiness and attractive spice as it matures. Drink from 2023. 90 pts” – Wine Enthusiast, 5/1/22

Gouron Chinon Rouge Vieilles Vignes 2015

Made from 45+ year old Cabernet Franc vines planted to limestone soil on the slope. Specifically from two parcels near Croix Boisee: Les Cornuelles and Pallus. Fermented in tank and aged one year in 225 liter used French oak barrels then kept for another two years in bottle before release. Deep, dark and structured with rich, brambly fruit and classic Cabernet Franc characteristics. “Proof that Cabernet Franc in Chinon can age well in the historic tuffeau cellars, this wine is still approaching its peak. Wood aging and 50-year-old vines have given great richness and density along with spice and smokiness. Drink this wine now. 92 pts” – Wine Enthusiast, 9/1/20

Gouron Chinon Rouge Cuvee Terroir 2017

Made from 45+ year old vines planted on Silex soils; from four plots (La Brosse, La Martinière, Les Boulais, and Les Falaises) in total. The fermentation is done in cement vat where the wine is then allowed to age for one year before bottling. Deeper and richer than above. “Produced from 50-year-old vines planted in Cravant on the north bank of the Vienne, this rich and concentrated wine is dense with red fruits, firm tannins and alternate layers of acidity and spice. 91 pts” – Wine Enthusiast, 9/1/20