Domaine des Bernard expands white wine production in Chinon

Domaine des Bernard, located in Cravant-les-Côteaux, is increasing the presence of white wine in the Chinon appellation. While white wine has been permitted since the AOC's inception, it historically accounts for less than 5% of total production in the region, which is primarily known for red wines derived from Cabernet Franc.

With the release of its second white cuvée, Bois d’Arçon 2023, the estate has raised its own white wine production to 25% of its total output. The wine is produced from 30-year-old vines planted on clay-loam soil with limestone subsoil, a terroir profile typically associated with neighboring Loire Valley appellations like Vouvray and Montlouis.

The production process involves hand-harvesting and slow pneumatic pressing to minimize bitter compounds and preserve aromatic finesse. The wine undergoes alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks without added ingredients, followed by seven to eight months of aging on fine lees in stainless steel to preserve its primary fruit characteristics.