Domaine Villemade

Pascal and Sébastien Villemade — Loire Valley

Domaine Villemade is a family-run winery in the Loire Valley, a bastion of classic, pure, and elegant wines. The estate is currently led by Sébastien Villemade, who has taken over from his father, Pascal. Located in the Cheverny and Cour-Cheverny appellations, they have become a benchmark for what is possible with organic farming and low-intervention winemaking in this region. Their wines are known for their incredible purity, tension, and drinkability.

A Philosophy of Organic Purity and Terroir Expression

The Villemades' philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for the land and a belief that great wine starts with healthy grapes. Their approach is straightforward and minimalist, allowing the unique character of the Cheverny terroir to shine.

  • Organic Farming: The domaine was one of the first in the region to convert to organic farming. They have been certified organic since 2002 and practice some biodynamic principles. They work the soil mechanically, avoiding herbicides and pesticides, and use natural composts to maintain soil health.

  • Low Intervention: In the cellar, their guiding principle is to do as little as possible. All fermentations are done with native yeasts, and they use minimal or no sulfur dioxide (SO2​) at bottling, depending on the cuvée.

  • Terroir-First: Their focus is on producing wines that are a pure reflection of their place. They believe that if the grapes are healthy and the cellar work is gentle, the wine will express itself naturally.

The Vineyards and Terroir

The domaine's vineyards are located on the left bank of the Loire River, in the communes of Cheverny, Cellettes, and Chitenay.

  • Location: Cheverny and Cour-Cheverny appellations, Loire Valley.

  • Vineyard Area: The domaine covers about 12 hectares.

  • Grape Varieties: They grow a mix of traditional Loire grapes. For reds and rosés, they use Pinot Noir and Gamay. For whites, they work with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and the native Romorantin grape.

  • Soils: The terroir is a mix of clay, limestone, and sand, which contributes to the mineral and balanced character of their wines. The soil composition is perfect for expressing the fresh, crisp qualities of the grapes they grow.

Winemaking and Process

Sébastien's winemaking is a masterclass in subtlety. The focus is on preserving the freshness of the fruit and the tension of the terroir.

  • Harvest: All grapes are meticulously hand-harvested and sorted.

  • Vinification: The grapes are pressed gently. Fermentation takes place in a mix of stainless steel tanks, foudres (large oak casks), and old barrels.

  • Aging: The wines are aged on their lees to gain complexity and stability before being bottled. Their white wines, in particular, spend a significant amount of time in contact with the lees, which gives them a richer texture.

Signature Wines to Discover

The wines of Domaine Villemade are renowned for their incredible value and classic, elegant style.

  • Cheverny Blanc: A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay that is crisp, refreshing, and filled with citrus and mineral notes.

  • Cheverny Rouge: A blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir that is light-bodied, juicy, and perfect for a bistro setting.

  • Cour-Cheverny: A pure Romorantin cuvée that showcases the grape's unique character—a wine of great acidity, complexity, and a hint of waxy texture.

  • Pinot Noir: A classic example of Loire Pinot Noir, with delicate red fruit flavors and an elegant structure.

Visit & Connect

Domaine Villemade is a working estate. Visits are by appointment only.

  • Address: 1 Rue de la Cave, 41700 Cheverny, France.