Why it matters
The producer
Monks planted vines on the former priory grounds during the 10th century. Domaine de la Chaise traces its winemaking heritage through seven successive generations from 1850, and Christophe Davault has led the estate since 2004.
The domaine is currently located in Saint-Georges-sur-Cher and produces wines under AOC Touraine and related Loire appellations. Its range includes Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, red, rosé and sparkling wines. The estate's present work joins a long family succession with a broad vineyard and several wine styles.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Saint-Georges-sur-Cher places the domaine within Touraine, where the labels cover both AOC Touraine and the more specific AOC Touraine Chenonceaux. AOC Rosé de Loire adds a rosé category, while Fines Bulles de Touraine identifies the sparkling wines.
The appellation names divide the range by wine category and place. Touraine carries the estate's still wines across white, red and rosé styles, Touraine Chenonceaux gives a separate appellation for white and red wines, and Fines Bulles de Touraine marks the sparkling production.
In the cellar
Vineyards and cellar
The vines are planted at a density of 5,600 plants per hectare. Higher density places more vines across the same area and changes how each vine shares water and nutrients in the soil.
A 750 square metre insulated chai was completed in 2009 to preserve wine quality. Insulation helps reduce temperature variation during storage, protecting the wines as they move through the cellar.
Wines to know
The range in view
Domaine de la Chaise makes still white, red and rosé wines, along with sparkling Fines Bulles de Touraine. The appellation range includes AOC Touraine, AOC Touraine Chenonceaux and AOC Rosé de Loire.
The white wines include L'Originelle Chenin Blanc and Touraine Sauvignon Blanc. L'Originelle keeps Chenin Blanc at the centre of the bottle, while Touraine Sauvignon Blanc gives Sauvignon Blanc its own place in the range. Touraine Chenonceaux adds another appellation level to the still wine selection.
A useful way in
A bottle to begin with
Choose L'Originelle Chenin Blanc. It is the named Chenin Blanc bottle in the AOC Touraine range, separate from Touraine Sauvignon Blanc and from the estate's red, rosé and sparkling categories.