Domaine Roillus

Domaine Roillus: a living family heritage at the heart of Bourgueil

Domaine Roillus is, above all, a story of transmission. A story that began in 1930, when Alfred Roillus planted his first vines on the banks of the Loire in Bourgueil. Since then, the passion for wine has been passed down from generation to generation.

In 2017, Anthony Houx, representing the fourth generation, took over the family estate, supported by his parents Brigitte and Joël Houx. Just a short distance from the river, he chose to honour his great-grandfather by guiding the estate towards a modern, respectful approach deeply rooted in its Loire Valley terroir.

A Bourgueil vineyard shaped by the Loire and its soils

Domaine Roillus covers 16 hectares in the Bourgueil AOP, an appellation renowned for centuries for the finesse and ageing potential of its wines. Rabelais, Ronsard, Balzac, and Jean Carmet – a native of the region – all praised the wines of Bourgueil, true reflections of a unique terroir.

Here, a single grape variety reigns: Cabernet Franc. Yet far from producing uniform wines, the estate draws on the remarkable diversity of its soils:

• sands and gravels along the Loire, producing light, fruit-driven wines
• clay-limestone soils and tuffeau on the hillsides, giving more structured, age-worthy wines

This mosaic of terroirs allows the estate to craft wines with very different expressions, from supple and approachable to deep and complex, always guided by elegance.

Sustainable, responsible and HVE-certified viticulture

Committed to preserving nature and vineyard balance, Anthony Houx follows a reasoned viticulture approach, rewarded with HVE Level 3 (High Environmental Value) certification.

Every decision made at the estate seeks the right balance between environmental respect, grape quality and drinking pleasure. Here, great wine always begins in the vineyard.

The wines of Domaine Roillus

The estate’s cuvées faithfully express the soils of Bourgueil and the full personality of Cabernet Franc.

Bourgueil Rosé: A fresh and delicate rosé with aromas of strawberry and raspberry. Light, supple and refreshing, it is perfect with summer aperitifs, charcuterie, exotic dishes or mixed salads. 100% Cabernet Franc – gravel and sandy soils.

Bourgueil Red “Les Clos Barbin”: A light, generous red marked by fresh red fruit aromas. The attack is lively, with a round and pleasant finish. A convivial wine, ideal with fish, grilled dishes, roast poultry or goat’s cheese.
100% Cabernet Franc – gravel and sandy soils.

Bourgueil Red “Les Mots Vilains”: A true food wine with a more assertive structure. Fruity on the nose, with a broad, rounded palate and well-defined tannins. Perfect with red meat or duck breast.
100% Cabernet Franc – clay-limestone soils.

Bourgueil Red “Vieilles Vignes”: The estate’s signature cuvée. A rich and intense wine with aromas of ripe fruit and subtle vanilla notes. Long and deep, it is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. A wine for ageing, crafted for special occasions and robust dishes.
100% Cabernet Franc – clay-limestone soils.

Also available in magnum, the ideal format for festive meals and fine gifts.

Chardonnay: An aromatic white wine with notes of peach and white flowers. Fresh and light on the palate, with a mineral finish. Best enjoyed chilled with shellfish, grilled fish, poultry or goat’s cheese.

A sincere and approachable Loire Valley estate

Domaine Roillus embodies an authentic vision of Bourgueil: clear, terroir-driven wines that appeal to both enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Cuvées designed to be enjoyed young or cellared, always guided by the same principles: pleasure and sincerity.

What is the difference between a Bourgueil from gravel soils and one from clay-limestone hillsides, and how does Cabernet Franc express these terroirs in the glass ?