Domaine Roillus

Domaine Roillus

A family estate in Bourgueil (Loire), since 1930, run by Anthony Houx (4th generation). 16 hectares in AOP Bourgueil, reasoned viticulture certified HVE level 3. Cabernet Franc on a mosaic of soils, from the most supple to the deepest.

Domaine Roillus is above all a story of transmission. A story that begins in 1930, when Alfred Roillus planted his first vines on the lands of Bourgueil, by the Loire. Since then, the passion for wine has been passed down from generation to generation. In 2017, Anthony Houx, the fourth generation, took over the reins of the family estate, supported by his parents Brigitte and Joel Houx. A few steps from the river, he set the estate in a modern, respectful approach deeply anchored in its Loire terroir.

A sustainable, responsible and HVE-certified viticulture

Keen to preserve nature and the balance of the vineyard, Anthony Houx is committed to a reasoned viticulture, rewarded with HVE level 3 certification (High Environmental Value). Every decision made at the estate aims to find the right balance between respect for the environment, grape quality and the pleasure of the wine. Here, a great wine always begins in the vine.

Bourgueil Rosé & Les Clos Barbin

AOP Bourgueil - gravel and sand, light and fruity

The Bourgueil Rosé (100% Cabernet Franc): fresh and delicate, nose of strawberry and raspberry, ideal as an aperitif. Les Clos Barbin (red, gravel and sand): light and gourmet, on spring red fruits, a round finish. Two convivial wines, on the fruit of the Loire riverside.

Bourgueil Rouge Les Mots Vilains

AOP Bourgueil - clay-limestone soils, structured

A meal wine with a more assertive structure (100% Cabernet Franc, clay-limestone soils): fruity nose, ample and round palate, fine tannic hold. Perfect with red meat or duck breast. All the structure of Cabernet Franc on the slopes.

Bourgueil Rouge Vieilles Vignes

AOP Bourgueil - 12 months in barrels, cellaring cuvee

The estate's characterful cuvee (100% Cabernet Franc, clay-limestone): rich and intense, ripe fruits and subtle vanilla notes, long and deep, aged 12 months in French oak barrels. A cellaring wine, also available in magnum for great occasions.

The Chardonnay

White - aromatic, fresh and mineral

An aromatic white with notes of peach and white flowers, a fresh and light palate, a mineral finish. To enjoy chilled with shellfish, grilled fish, poultry or goat cheeses. The fresh, white touch of the estate's range.

Cabernet Franc and the mosaic of soils

Gravel, sand, clay-limestone and tuffeau

In Bourgueil, one grape reigns: Cabernet Franc. But the diversity of soils creates very different wines: sand and gravel by the Loire for light, fruity wines; clay-limestone and tuffeau on the slopes for more structured, cellar-worthy wines. From the most supple to the deepest, always elegance.

A family history since 1930

Alfred Roillus, then Anthony Houx, HVE3 certified

A story of transmission: in 1930, Alfred Roillus planted his first vines in Bourgueil. In 2017, Anthony Houx, the 4th generation, took over the estate, supported by his parents Brigitte and Joel. 16 hectares in AOP Bourgueil, in reasoned viticulture, certified HVE level 3.

The Bourgueil (Cabernet Franc) and the Chardonnay, direct

Which Domaine Roillus wine to choose?

For the aperitif, the Bourgueil Rosé; for a light, fruity red, Les Clos Barbin; for a structured meal red, Les Mots Vilains; for a cellaring wine, the Vieilles Vignes cuvee (barrel-aged); and the Chardonnay for a fresh, mineral white.

Where is Domaine Roillus located?

In Bourgueil, in Indre-et-Loire (37), by the Loire, in AOP Bourgueil. The estate spans 16 hectares, on a mosaic of soils: sand and gravel by the Loire, clay-limestone and tuffeau on the slopes.

Is Domaine Roillus organic?

The estate is committed to a reasoned viticulture, rewarded with HVE level 3 certification (High Environmental Value). Each decision aims for the right balance between respect for the environment, grape quality and the pleasure of the wine. The organic label is not claimed.

Since when has Domaine Roillus existed?

Since 1930, when Alfred Roillus planted his first vines in Bourgueil. The passion is passed down from generation to generation; in 2017, Anthony Houx, the 4th generation, took over the family estate, supported by his parents Brigitte and Joel Houx.

Which grape does Domaine Roillus grow?

In Bourgueil, one grape reigns for the reds and rosés: Cabernet Franc (100% of the Bourgueil cuvees). The estate also produces a Chardonnay in white, aromatic and mineral.

What are the cuvees of Domaine Roillus?

The Bourgueil Rosé, the Bourgueil reds Les Clos Barbin (light and fruity), Les Mots Vilains (structured) and Vieilles Vignes (cellaring, aged 12 months in barrels, also in magnum), as well as a Chardonnay white.

What is the Vieilles Vignes cuvee of Domaine Roillus?

It is the estate's characterful cuvee (100% Cabernet Franc, clay-limestone soils): rich and intense, ripe fruits and subtle vanilla notes, aged 12 months in French oak barrels. A cellaring wine, built for great occasions, also available in magnum.

What is the difference between a gravel Bourgueil and a slope Bourgueil?

The sand and gravel soils, by the Loire, give light, fruity wines (Rosé, Les Clos Barbin); the clay-limestone and tuffeau soils, on the slopes, give more structured, cellar-worthy wines (Les Mots Vilains, Vieilles Vignes). Two faces of Cabernet Franc in Bourgueil.

What is the AOP Bourgueil?

Bourgueil is a Touraine appellation, by the Loire, renowned for centuries for the finesse and longevity of its Cabernet Franc wines. Rabelais, Ronsard, Balzac and Jean Carmet celebrated it. The wines range from the most supple and fruity to the deepest and most cellar-worthy.

Can Domaine Roillus wines be cellared?

It depends on the cuvees: the Rosé, Les Clos Barbin and the Chardonnay are enjoyed young, on the fruit and freshness; Les Mots Vilains and especially Vieilles Vignes (aged 12 months in barrels), more structured, lend themselves to cellaring and gain complexity over time.

What to pair with Domaine Roillus wines?

The Rosé as an aperitif, with charcuterie, exotic dishes and salads; Les Clos Barbin with fish, grills, poultry and goat cheeses; Les Mots Vilains and Vieilles Vignes with red meat and duck breast; the Chardonnay with shellfish, grilled fish and goat cheeses.

Can you buy Domaine Roillus wines directly?

Yes: the estate's cuvees (Bourgueil Rosé, Les Clos Barbin, Les Mots Vilains, Vieilles Vignes and the Chardonnay) are available here, direct from the property in Bourgueil, shipped with care, across France and Europe.

Direct from the estate, the wines of Bourgueil

Domaine Roillus: a family estate of the AOP Bourgueil, by the Loire (Indre-et-Loire), founded in 1930 by Alfred Roillus. Taken over in 2017 by Anthony Houx, the 4th generation, supported by his parents Brigitte and Joel Houx. 16 hectares on a mosaic of soils: sand and gravel by the Loire, clay-limestone and tuffeau on the slopes. Reasoned viticulture, certified HVE level 3. Main grape: Cabernet Franc (reds and rosé); a Chardonnay in white.

Cuvees: Bourgueil Rosé, Bourgueil reds Les Clos Barbin, Les Mots Vilains and Vieilles Vignes (aged 12 months in barrels, also in magnum), and a Chardonnay