Domaine de la Méchinière

Our 8 grape varieties, half of which are rare and some of which come from pre-phylloxera vines planted before 1890, make La Méchinière a unique setting in the Cher Valley.

Our spirit

Valérie was working in Germany and met her husband while traveling in Paris. She returned to France and the couple settled in La Méchinière in 1997.

In 2008, she found herself alone with her children and received help from Didier BARROUILLET, who guided her towards organic farming and natural winemaking.

Thanks to him, Valérie has rediscovered a sense of meaning and ethics in her work and her life, in line with her conscience.

Louis, born in 1997, grew up in the vineyards, helping his mother from an early age.

His engineering studies took him abroad, but he returned regularly at harvest time.

He was in Poland when Covid changed his life's path.

At the beginning of 2022, he decided to stay at the Domaine and open up his horizons.

The Spotted Salamander has lived for years in one of our vineyards, a quiet, secluded spot.

We regularly see it in the company of a toad.

The presence of such a rare and mythical animal in our world is a priceless blessing.

We're happy and proud to make her our ambassador.

Respect for living things

The well-being of our vines is essential to the harmony of our land and its inhabitants, and is reflected in our wines.

Our vines are located on the left bank, on the first slopes of the Cher Valley. Their flinty silico-clay soils are renowned for producing wines of great aromatic finesse.

We grow 8 grape varieties, some of which are now rare and of great heritage value, bearing witness to the know-how of our elders:

Orbois and Chenin in a pre-phylloxera co-plantation, planted before 1890.

Sauvignon blanc, Fié Gris

Gamay,

Cabernet franc,

Côt, including a hundred-year-old vine planted in provignage,

and Pineau d'Aunis, now so rare in our valley.

By working the soil, we provide the oxygenation necessary for its subterranean life, and the flora present regulates itself naturally. This life enriches our soil and calls for the re-introduction of a more balanced fauna.

By returning to virtuous pruning methods such as the gobelet or Royat cordon, we are choosing to preserve our vines. Their smaller, more concentrated grape production contributes to the character of our wines.

We harvest by hand.

Our vinifications are gentle and unhurried, to express the essence of our grapes.

Fermentations take place thanks to their endogenous flora.

Our wines are unfiltered and settle naturally.

We age our wines, taking the time required for their balance and development.

Our cuvées

Whether pure varietal or blended, whether AOC TOURAINE or Vins de France, our wines are made using natural methods, without artifice or embellishment.

The quality of our harvests determines the orientation and creation of our cuvées. Their availability also depends on the vintage.

We offer a wide range of cuvées, each with its own personality, in 4 colors: white, orange, rosé and red.

Our wines have been certified AB by ECOCERT FR-BIO-01 since 2013.

Coming to the Domaine

Between the châteaux of Chenonceau and Cheverny, 2 steps from the Beauval zooparc

We'll be happy to show you our wines, let you taste them and share our expertise.

By appointment only.

Campervans wishing to stop off at the Domaine are welcome.

We ask you to contact us to check availability, and to arrive before 6 p.m. to enable relaxed tasting and purchase of our wines.

Our activities, open days and trade shows are updated on our website.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.