Domaine de la Noiraie: early beginnings to sixth generation in Benais.
Our ancestors actually came from the neighbouring département of Maine-et-Loire in 1875. The first incomers settled as labourers on the farm which still exists today, run by a middle-class family who lived very close by. Their descendants then gradually bought land and buildings and became completely independent. The most recent addition was the parcels bought by Jean Delanoue (fourth generation) in the 1950s.
Until 1976, winegrowing was only 25% of their activity, as they also grew green beans, tobacco, vine plants and cereals. When Jean-Paul Delanoue took over in 1976, he focussed on the cultivation of vines and vine plants and subsequently his brother Michel came to work alongside him.
And so, until 1987, they were able to use their own vine plants to expand the estate at a very low cost. From a mere 3 hectares, the area planted to vines grew to the 43 hectares of Cabernet Franc the family cultivates today in the Bourgueil and Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil appellations.
From vine to winery, due care is taken to produce wines which reflect our winemaking skills. We would love you to come and taste them for yourself.