Domaine des Mailloches

Domaine des Mailloches: The Soul of Bourgueil Carried by Eight Generations

In Restigné, at the heart of the Bourgueil appellation, Domaine des Mailloches embodies everything that makes Loire wines remarkable: a family history dating back to 1864, a single iconic grape variety—Cabernet Franc, locally known as Cabernet Breton—and a terroir of exceptional richness.

Today, Samuel Demont continues the work of eight generations of winemakers. Over 22 hectares, he produces Bourgueil wines capable of ageing up to 20 years—wines of elegance and depth that echo the family’s long legacy.

A Winemaking Family Since 1864

The Demont family is one of the oldest winegrowing families in Bourgueil. In the estate’s cellars, bottles dating from 1864 still rest, silent witnesses of a know-how passed down with care.

Key dates:

• 1987: Construction of the new winery by Jean-François Demont, Samuel’s father.
• 1994: Domaine des Mailloches wines are served at a presidential dinner at the Élysée—Bourgueil’s sole representative that day.
• 2001: Jean-François Demont is named Chevalier of the Order of Agricultural Merit.
• 2002: Samuel officially takes over the estate.
• 2009: Birth of the cuvée “400…”, the estate’s high-end flagship wine.
• 2018: Transition to organic farming.
• 2019: Official recognition as a Vigneron Indépendant and HVE certification.

Today, Domaine des Mailloches remains firmly a family estate—forward-looking yet deeply rooted in its history.

A Bourgueil Terroir with Three Faces

The Bourgueil vineyard, recognised as an AOC since 1937, lies on the Loire’s right bank, west of Tours. Domaine des Mailloches cultivates 22 hectares in Restigné, across three major soil types, allowing for distinct wine profiles from a single grape variety—Cabernet Franc:

• Sandy soils: light, supple, fruit-driven wines, perfect to drink young.
• Gravel soils: fuller wines with round, approachable tannins.
• Clay-limestone hillside soils: ideal south-facing plots producing structured, deep wines built for long ageing.

The combination of soil diversity, vine age and the estate’s vinification style allows for four very different red cuvées—plus a rosé—from the same grape.

Cabernet Franc: The Estate’s Guiding Thread

At Domaine des Mailloches, all reds—and even the rosé—are made from Cabernet Franc. The grape thrives here thanks to the Loire’s temperate climate, well-drained soils and varied exposures. Great vintages can age up to 20 years, developing aromas of ripe fruit, spices, undergrowth and persistent freshness.

The Cuvées of Domaine des Mailloches: Four Expressions of Bourgueil

Bourgueil “Domaine” – Fruit and Freshness

• Parcels: young vines on sandy soils
• Style: supple, light, intensely fruity, ideal for immediate pleasure
• Vinification: short maceration and cool temperatures to preserve red-fruit aromatics
• Ageing potential: up to 5 years
• Food pairings: charcuterie, red or white meats, casual meals
• Awards: Gold Medal Mâcon 2018, Gold Vignerons Indépendants 2022

Bourgueil “Léonie” – Roundness and Depth

• Parcels: 60- to 70-year-old vines on gravel soils
• Style: fuller, round, soft tannins, raspberry and blackcurrant notes
• Vinification: traditional, temperature-controlled
• Ageing potential: around 10 years
• Food pairings: roasted poultry, white meats, bistro cuisine
• Award: Gold Medal, Concours Féminalise (2017)

Bourgueil “Vieilles Vignes” – Depth and Longevity

• Parcels: century-old vines on clay-limestone hillsides
• Harvest: 100% manual, selective sorting
• Ageing: minimum 1 year in vat, extended bottle ageing
• Style: concentrated, ripe red fruits, liquorice, terroir expression
• Ageing potential: exceptional—1989 vintages still sold today
• Food pairings: red meats, game, slow-cooked dishes, cheese

Bourgueil “400…” – The Signature Prestige Cuvée

• Parcels: very old vines (80–100 years)
• Yield: low, around 30 hl/ha
• Vinification: hand-picked, strict sorting
• Ageing: 18 months in 400-liter oak barrels, regular bâtonnage, malolactic in barrel
• Style: deep colour, elegant bouquet, ripe fruit, vanilla and spices; structured and long
• Food pairings: game, steaks, sauced dishes, strong cheeses
• Awards: Gold Mâcon, Bronze Vignerons Indépendants (2018)

Bourgueil Rosé – Loire Freshness

• Method: saignée rosé
• Soils: sand and gravel
• Style: delicate, light, intensely fruity
• Ageing potential: 1–2 years
• Award: Silver at the Bourgueil Saint-Vincent 2020

An Exacting, Committed and Truly Living Estate

Between family tradition, organic farming, HVE certification and national and international recognition, Domaine des Mailloches stands as a true guardian of Bourgueil’s heritage. The wines are precise, sincere and expressive, telling the story of the Loire, its slopes and a family deeply devoted to its terroir.

Which wines from Domaine des Mailloches should you choose to discover the full range of Cabernet Franc expressions in Bourgueil—from easy-drinking pleasure wines to prestigious long-ageing cuvées ?