List of products by brand DOMAINE DE NOIRE

Spread across 20 hectares on the outskirts of Chinon in Indre-et-Loire, Domaine de Noire takes its name from the lieu-dit Noiré, classified as a 1ère Côte de Chinon at the turn of the twentieth century. Odile and Jean-Max Manceau took over the estate in 2001, converting it to certified organic farming and conducting the vineyards in biodynamy across a mosaic of argilo-siliceous, gravelly, and Loire tuffeau soils — ideal ground for Cabernet Franc. At Halles Quercamps, we have selected this estate for the rigour of its viticulture, the precision of its red Chinons, and the quiet distinction of its Chenin Blanc whites, each a faithful expression of a historically recognised terroir. A reliable reference for those seeking the authentic character of the Chinon appellation.

Domaine de Noire stands among the most compelling expressions of the Chinon appellation, rooted in a first-rank terroir that Loire viticulture had already singled out long before Odile and Jean-Max Manceau took the helm in 2001. It is an estate that earns its reputation through soil, history, and genuine commitment in the vineyard.

A historic terroir at the heart of Chinon

The lieu-dit Noiré, from which the estate takes its name, was classified as a 1ère Côte de Chinon at the beginning of the twentieth century — an early acknowledgement of a privileged situation on the south-facing plateau and slopes above the town of Chinon. This classification predates modern appellation law, yet it speaks to a long-held understanding among local growers that certain parcels in this corner of Indre-et-Loire consistently produce wines of greater depth and definition. The estate today covers 20 hectares, its vineyards spread across a varied patchwork of argilo-siliceous soils, gravelly terraces, and the pale, porous tuffeau de Loire — the soft limestone that defines so much of the Touraine's character and gives Chinon its distinctive mineral tension.

The Manceau era: organic and biodynamic farming

When Odile and Jean-Max Manceau acquired the estate in 2001, they brought with them a clear vision: to farm with the greatest possible respect for the living soil beneath the vines. The estate achieved organic certification in 2014, and the vineyards are conducted in biodynamy, following the rhythms of the lunar calendar and relying on plant-based preparations rather than synthetic treatments. Jean-Max Manceau's standing within the appellation is considerable — he served as president of the Syndicat des Vins de Chinon, a role that reflects both his technical authority and his commitment to the collective reputation of this Loire valley appellation. The combination of a historically distinguished terroir and a rigorous, low-intervention approach in the vineyard gives the wines of Domaine de Noire a clarity and sense of place that is immediately recognisable.

Grape varieties and winemaking

The estate is planted principally with Cabernet Franc, the emblematic red variety of Chinon, alongside Chenin Blanc for the white and sparkling wines. The diversity of soils — from the gravels that encourage freshness and aromatic lift to the tuffeau parcels that lend structure and ageing potential — allows the Manceaus to produce a range of wines with genuine typicity and individual character.

The wine range at Domaine de Noire

Red Chinon (Cabernet Franc): the backbone of the range, from lighter, fruit-driven cuvées to more structured, tuffeau-influenced wines built for the cellar.
White Chinon (Chenin Blanc): a rarer style within the appellation, offering the characteristic tension and mineral depth that Loire Chenin delivers on limestone soils.
Rosé Chinon: fresh and precise, drawn from Cabernet Franc with the restraint that marks the estate's approach across all colours.
Sparkling (Effervescent): a traditional-method or pétillant style that showcases the natural acidity of the estate's fruit.

Why we have selected Domaine de Noire

At Halles Quercamps, we have listed Domaine de Noire because it represents exactly the kind of estate we look for: a historically significant terroir, farmed with genuine conviction, producing wines that speak clearly of their origins. The organic and biodynamic credentials are not a marketing exercise here — they are the logical expression of a long-term commitment to soil health and wine quality. We particularly value the precision of the red Chinons, which show the full range of what Cabernet Franc can achieve on tuffeau and gravel, and the quiet authority of the Chenin Blanc whites, a style too often overlooked within the appellation. This estate will appeal to lovers of Loire reds who appreciate restraint and terroir-driven character, as well as to those building a cellar with wines that reward patience. At the table, the structured reds pair beautifully with rillons, rillettes, and the charcuterie of the Touraine, or with roasted lamb; the whites are a natural match for freshwater fish and goat's cheeses from the region.