Richard Leroy

The Story of Richard Leroy

Founded in 1996, Domaine Richard Leroy was born from a bold career change. Richard, a former Parisian banker and host of the prestigious "Grains Nobles" tasting evenings, left the capital with his wife Sophie to embrace viticulture. Passionate about great white wines, he set his sights on the banks of the Layon, twenty kilometres south of Angers, drawn by the potential of Chenin on schist. The initial purchase of 2 hectares at "Noëls de Montbenault" marked the beginning of an adventure: aided by his friend Joël Ménard of Domaine des Sablonettes, Richard produced his first grains nobles in 1996, followed by legendary vintages such as 1997. In 2000, the family settled in Rablay and expanded the estate with 70 ares at "Clos des Rouliers". Faced with the vagaries of the climate, Richard pivoted towards dry wines from 2002 onwards, abandoning botrytis in favour of purity and precision. Certified organic in 2002, he adopted biodynamics and declassified his wines to IGP Vin de France from 2008, weary of administrative constraints. Fame arrived in 2011 with the graphic novel "Les Ignorants" by Étienne Davodeau, which immortalised a year of cross-initiation between the winemaker and the illustrator, boosting worldwide demand for these rare wines.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Domaine Richard Leroy

Domaine Richard Leroy spans two emblematic parcels, fully south-facing in a continental climate tempered by Atlantic influence, at an altitude of 50 to 100 metres. The rich and varied soils express the genius of the Angevin terroir: decomposed schist on a schist bedrock, dense volcanic rhyolites (a rock heavy in iron, magnesium, feldspar and quartz) and spilites (altered basalts). The "Noëls de Montbenault" parcel (2 hectares), on a windy hilltop slope in Faye d'Anjou, rests on shallow, rocky soil, ideal for concentrated and healthy grapes. Planted in the 1960s (vines averaging 50 years old), these vines benefit from natural ventilation that prevents disease. The "Clos des Rouliers" (0.7 hectare), at the foot of the slope, offers softer, sandy sandstone schists, with vines averaging 25 years old. Worked entirely by hand without herbicides or insecticides, ploughed and enriched with biodynamic preparations, the Chenin vines produce modest yields (7 to 30 hl/ha), guaranteeing exceptional quality. This volcanic terroir, long known by the ancients for its great grapes, makes Richard Leroy's wines true benchmarks.

Winemaking at Domaine Richard Leroy

Winemaking at Domaine Richard Leroy is guided by a minimalist and respectful approach, shaped by experience and experimentation. Manual harvesting, carried out late to capture optimal ripeness without botrytis, selects healthy and concentrated grapes. Gentle pressing and natural settling precede spontaneous fermentation in new barrels (kept for 7–8 years for neutrality), with parcels vinified separately using only indigenous yeasts. Ageing lasts 18 months under wood, promoting structure and finesse without chemical intervention. A pioneer in this regard, Richard reduced sulphites to 10 mg/l until 2010, then eliminated them entirely from 2011 onwards, following tests revealing increased purity in new barrels. He actively experiments to counter faults such as "mouse taint", adjusting parameters to achieve natural stability. No chaptalization, no filtration: bottling, one year after harvest, preserves the integrity of the wine. This biodynamic winemaking approach, certified by Ecocert, faithfully translates the terroir into straight, saline, long-ageing cuvées.

The Cuvées of Domaine Richard Leroy

Domaine Richard Leroy produces two flagship cuvées in dry Chenin Blanc, sourced exclusively from its own parcels. These Vins de France, produced in limited quantities, stand out for their precision and elegance.

Anjou "Le Clos des Rouliers": From the 0.7-hectare parcel on sandy sandstone schists, with vines averaging 25 years old, this cuvée offers a more immediate and tender approach. Vinified in new barrels without sulphur, it expresses aromas of fresh quince, almond and subtle honey, with a saline tension and mouth-watering bitterness on the finish. Balanced, crystalline and mineral, it captivates with its straightforwardness and length.

Anjou "Les Noëls de Montbenault": From the 2 hectares on volcanic rhyolites, with fifty-year-old vines, this dense and austere cuvée is a masterpiece of balance. Aged 18 months in new oak, with no or very little sulphur depending on the vintage, it unfolds a festive nose of candied lemon, quince, popcorn and subtle infusions. On the palate, vibrant acidity, harmonious richness and integrated alcohol lead to an endless finish, rich yet pure. A magisterial terroir wine, it embodies the great age-worthy Chenin, prized by enthusiasts for its intensity.

Rare and sought-after, they deserve a prime place in your cellar for unforgettable tastings. Order now and let Richard Leroy's Chenin transport you to the heart of the Layon! Discover the Loire appellations such as Anjou, Bonnezeaux, Coteaux du Layon, Savennières, Quarts de Chaume, Clos Rougeard and Coulée de Serrant as well as their producers Nicolas Joly, domaine des Sablonnettes, Baumard, Pierre Bise, Clos de l'Ecotard and Clos de l'Elu. At Vins & Millésimes, all our young and older vintages are in stock and available for fast delivery! Discover the bottles and magnums from Domaine Richard Leroy available to purchase!