Domaine aux Moines

History of the Domaine aux Moines  

The history of the Domaine aux Moines has its roots in the 12th century, when the monks of the Abbey of Saint-Nicolas d'Angers planted the first vines on the slopes of the Roche aux Moines. These lands, already recognised for their potential, benefit from an ideal exposure and a schist soil conducive to Chenin Blanc. After centuries of evolution — marked by sales as national property during the Revolution and a period in the hands of figures such as Mr Benz, the famous automobile industrialist — the estate found a new lease of life in 1981. It was that year that Monique Laroche, a woman of character and vision, bought back the property with her family. At the time, the vineyard covered only 4 hectares, but Monique embarked on an ambitious expansion project, incorporating the emblematic parcel of the Roche aux Moines and replanting new vines while preserving the old rootstock.  

In 2001, her daughter Tessa joined the adventure after training in viticulture across various French regions, notably in Reims. Together, they modernised the estate while respecting its heritage. In 2006, they recruited a team and initiated a transition towards organic farming, made official by an Ecocert certification in 2011. Biodynamics made its appearance in 2017, strengthening their commitment to sustainable viticulture. Unfortunately, Monique Laroche passed away in 2020, leaving Tessa at the helm. The latter, driven by the same passion, has propelled the Domaine aux Moines among the rising stars of the Loire, while maintaining a humble and natural approach. Today, this family estate is celebrated for its crystalline wines and its ability to reveal the potential of Chenin Blanc on an exceptional terroir.  

Terroirs and Vines of the Domaine aux Moines  

Le Domaine aux Moines spans 12 hectares within the Savennières Roche aux Moines appellation, a prestigious sub-appellation of only 22 hectares in total. Perched on the slopes of the Roche aux Moines, on the right bank of the Loire and to the south of Angers, the vineyard benefits from a unique microclimate and an ideal south/south-west exposure for the ripening of Chenin Blanc, the estate's exclusive grape variety. The soils, composed of sandy schists, rhyolite, and volcanic rocks, confer a vibrant minerality and a remarkable structure upon the wines. These low-yielding lands, with yields limited to 20–30 hl/ha, encourage exceptional concentration of aromas and a pure expression of the terroir.  

Surrounded by a walled park, the vineyard incorporates fruit trees and practises agroforestry, strengthening biodiversity and ecological balance. Tessa Laroche ensures the longevity of the vines by progressively replanting with mass selections drawn from the highest-quality rootstock. Certified organic since 2011 and influenced by biodynamics, the vines are cultivated without chemical products, in a spirit of respect for the soils and sustainability. Every decision, from ploughing to treatments, is based on careful observation of natural cycles, far from any systematic approach. This deep connection with nature makes the Domaine aux Moines a model of reasoned viticulture and an ambassador of the Loire terroir.  

Winemaking at the Domaine aux Moines  

At the Domaine aux Moines, winemaking is an art that combines tradition and precision. Everything begins with manual harvesting, carried out in crates over several sorting passes (5 to 6), to select only perfectly ripe berries. This rigorous sorting in the vineyard guarantees a healthy, high-quality raw material. Once harvested, the grapes are gently pressed in a pneumatic press, allowing for a soft and controlled pressing. The musts, of great finesse, are then placed in stainless steel tanks to begin their fermentation with indigenous yeasts, thus preserving the authenticity of the terroir.  

Depending on the cuvée, ageing takes place differently. A portion of the wines is vinified and aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and vivacity, while the majority rests in barrels (220 or 400 litres) and in large oak casks for 12 to 18 months. This ageing on lees, often accompanied by full malolactic fermentation, brings roundness and complexity to the wines. No chemical inputs or superfluous sulphites are added, apart from a light dose at the time of bottling, which is carried out at the estate after a careful final blending. This artisanal process, imbued with love and attention, gives birth to dry white wines of a radiant purity, built for ageing or to be savoured in their youth.  

The Cuvées of the Domaine aux Moines  

Le Domaine aux Moines offers two emblematic cuvées, both made from Chenin Blanc and from the terroir of the Roche aux Moines. These organic wines, bottled at the estate, captivate with their elegance and their ability to reflect their origin.  

Le Berceau des Fées  

From young vines less than 10 years old (2 hectares), planted between 2017 and 2019, Le Berceau des Fées is a wine for pleasure — lively and accessible. Harvested by hand, slowly pressed, and vinified entirely in stainless steel tanks for 9 months with indigenous yeasts, it reveals a fresh nose with aromas of white fruits (apple, pear) and a herbaceous touch. On the palate, this crystalline and ample Chenin offers pure energy and a subtle minerality, perfect for immediate enjoyment. Classified as a Vin de France due to its short ageing, it is nonetheless an ambassador of Tessa Laroche's expertise, with a still-promising potential for evolution.  

Domaine aux Moines Savennières Roche aux Moines  

The signature cuvée, Domaine aux Moines Savennières Roche aux Moines, is crafted from vines with an average age of 45 years (10 hectares). Harvested by hand over several sorting passes, it benefits from slow pressing and fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Vinified in barrels and large oak casks for 12 months, then blended and aged en masse for a further 6 months, it reaches a total ageing of 18 months. On the nose, it seduces with intense floral notes (white flowers, acacia) and fruity notes (yellow fruits, becoming candied with time). On the palate, this gastronomic wine reveals a noble tension, a vibrant minerality, and a remarkable density, with an ample and complex finish. Acclaimed by critics (94/100 RVF, 96/100 Bettane+Desseauve), it is built to age for more than 20 years, offering an experience that evolves magnificently over time.  

If you have been captivated by the crystalline wines of the Domaine aux Moines, where Tessa Laroche magnifies Chenin on the schists of Roche-aux-Moines, allow yourself to be tempted by other gems from Savennières. Explore the finesse of the cuvées of Damien Laureau, or the emblematic biodynamic approach of Nicolas Joly at Château de la Roche-aux-Moines. Do not miss the precise creations of Pierre Bise, the innovative momentum of Terra Vita Vinum, nor the sublime expressions of Chenin signed by Thibaud Boudignon. Each estate reveals a unique facet of this exceptional terroir, promising unforgettable discoveries for lovers of great Loire wines.

Le Domaine aux Moines, located in Savennières in the Loire Valley, is much more than a vineyard: it is a family story, an ecological commitment, and a celebration of Chenin Blanc. Since its founding by Monique Laroche in 1981 through to its current prominence under the direction of Tessa, this domaine de 12 hectares has established itself as a reference in the Savennières Roche aux Moines appellation. Thanks to an exceptional schist terroir, organic and biodynamic viticulture, and careful winemaking, its wines, Le Berceau des Fées and the Savennières Roche aux Moines, captivate with their purity, their minerality, and their ageing potential.