Château de Coulaine

About the Winery

Mentioned by Rabelais in his Gargantua, Château de Coulaine is an ancestral wine property from the 14th century that nearly disappeared with the phylloxera episode. Recreated by Étienne and Pascale Denys de Bonnaventure in 1988, it was among the first in 1997 to转向 organic agriculture. In 2017, after studies in agronomic engineering and oenology, their son Jean took the reins, leading 20 hectares of vines. The estate is one of the oldest continuously family-operated properties in Chinon, with records of vines existing there since 1434. The château was built in 1470. The vineyards are planted mostly to Cabernet Franc with a little Chenin Blanc, and all grapes are hand-harvested with non-interventionist vinification following organic practices since 1997.

“A historic Chinon estate mentioned by Rabelais, recreated in 1988, and among the first certified organic in the appellation in 1997.”