Discover the story of

the Baudry Family

Since 1778, the Baudry family has been caring for the Domaine de la Perrière. Located in Cravant-les-Coteaux, a village in the heart of the Chinon appellation, the Domaine’s history is intertwined with that of the family. One generation follows another, each eager to preserve traditions while adapting the vineyard to leave their mark. From the hillside to the plain, from the troglodyte dwelling still in use at the beginning of the 20th century to the bourgeois residence around which the Domaine is now organized, La Perrière has changed in step with each generation.

Christophe recalls: « I took over the Domaine in 1990 with the aim of making continuous progress in the production of quality wines, fresh and fruity, and sharing my passion for my land, the vineyard, and our Chinon wines. »

Christophe represents the sixth generation running the Domaine. Like his predecessors, he has contributed to the property’s history. preserving its heritage, protecting the terroir, and ensuring a living, resilient soil for future generations, ready to withstand the environmental challenges ahead.

Learn more about

The Domaine

The vineyard of Domaine de La Perrière now covers 35 hectares in the alluvial plain of the Vienne River. Together with the Domaine manager, Mélanie Martin, Christophe Baudry has reviewed the usual winegrowing practices to embrace the principles of regenerative viticulture.

This approach is inspired by rigorous, scientific, and well-documented agronomic practices. It aims to be truly sustainable; that is to say, to protect the environment (soil, air, water, and all living organisms), the winemakers, and, of course, the consumers.

The goal is to recreate a living soil, always covered with vegetation. They have observed that such soil is more resilient to extreme conditions than bare soil. Protected from direct sun radiation by its plant cover, it retains water more effectively, making it more resistant to drought, while also offering better protection against erosion caused by heavy rainfall.

A living soil also captures carbon and stores it by creating organic matter.

To ensure the supply of seeds needed for the many sowings between the rows of vines, they mobilize some plots to alternately cultivate fava beans, peas, sunflowers, rye, or buckwheat and produce their own seeds.

Landscaping around the plots (hedges, grassy strips, ditches, dry stone walls, etc.) supports macro- and microbiological life. These habitats help sustain beneficial wildlife such as insects, birds, and bats, which in turn play a crucial role in controlling harmful vineyard pests.

They are reshaping the vineyard plots, planting trees, and reintroducing hedgerows that had disappeared over time due to land consolidation.

All their efforts focus on minimizing external inputs, both in the vineyard and in the winery.

The Domaine de La Perrière achieved “Haute Valeur Environnementale” (High Environmental Value) certification in 2016 and began its transition to organic farming in 2018, obtaining full organic certification with the 2021 vintage.

Where does the AOP Chinon come from?

AOP Chinon

Established in 1937, the Chinon AOP is the largest red wine appellation in the Loire Valley. It encompasses 26 communes, with Cravant-les-Coteaux being the most prominent, with 800 hectares of vineyards.

To understand fully the village’s geography, picture a landscape where the forest lies to the north, followed by the hillside, and at its base, the wide alluvial plain of the Vienne River. Nestled in a small fold carved by the Saint Mexme stream, the village is naturally protected from prevailing winds.

Over millennia, the river has frequently shifted its course, shaping a delicate yet decisive landscape. The oldest alluvial deposits, composed of slightly clayey gravels, form small rounded hills locally called « puys ».

Until the late 1950s, vineyards were primarily confined to a few plots on the slopes. However, as the vines expanded into the valley, winemakers discovered its well-draining, poor gravel soils, an ideal terroir where Cabernet Franc thrives on some truly exceptional vineyard plots.

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The Wines of the Domaine

Les Battereaux

« Les Battereaux » is a single plot cuvée produced from the oldest vines of the Domaine (40 to 50 years old). Over time, these vines have naturally reduced their yields, concentrating the flavours in each grape. Harvested when perfectly ripe, in the cool of the night, the grapes are carefully sorted, destemmed, and gravity vatted for a slow and gentle maceration. This process allows the infusion of delicate fruit aromas while preserving the fullness of Cabernet Franc. The wine is then aged for one year in vats before being bottled and stored in the cellar.

This cuvée, that benefits from being opened for a short time before tasting, has a deep garnet colour and a seductive nose of wild strawberries, blackcurrants, and red berries, delicately enhanced with spicy notes. On the palate, it offers a velvety texture, silky tannins, and a fruity roundness, with a bouquet of forest fruits and a hint of pepper.

A Chinon that combines freshness and depth, fullness and finesse; Les Battereaux is a versatile and convivial wine. Perfect for aperitif boards, poultry dishes, and small game; it will also pair as well with autumn roasted root vegetables as summer barbecues.

Première Pressée – First Pressing

 

To preserve the fruit’s freshness, the grapes are harvested at night. This rosé is produced through gentle pressing of whole clusters. Only the first juices are selected. A period of settling on fine

mud, followed by a slow, cold fermentation, enhances the aromatic intensity and complexity of Cabernet Franc.

Pale rosé colour with an intense nose of rhubarb, fresh fruits, and citrus notes. On the palate, it is refreshing and fruity.

A perfect summer thirst-quencher, this rosé pairs beautifully with spicy dishes.

Discover

The Team

Christophe

Mélanie

Mathieu

Where to find our wines?

In our online store baudry-dutour.fr (deliveries only in France)
At the Château de la Grille shop in Chinon
Route de Huismes 37500 CHINON