Domaine des Bernard - Bernard Pelé

Domaine des Bernard was born from the passion of Bernard Gault, a wine lover who, after a career in finance, realized his dream of becoming a winemaker.

In 2022, he acquired Domaine des Demoiselles de Pallus in Chinon, convinced by the exceptional potential of this appellation.

To bring his project to life, he surrounded himself with Nicolas Reau , a winemaker renowned for his natural approach, and Bernard Pelé , an experienced vineyard manager. Together, they share an ambition: to reveal the richness of the Chinon terroir by allowing the vines to express themselves freely.

The estate covers 11.2 hectares of hillsides , a privileged location where each plot has its own identity. The sandy-loam foot of the slope shapes the Les Trois Piliers cuvée; the middle slope, more clayey, gives rise to Pallus ; while La Croix Boissée , with its limestone base, produces some of the greatest wines of Chinon.

From its very first vintage in 2022, the estate has adopted organic viticulture practices that promote biodiversity and respect the natural balance of the soils. The grapes are harvested by hand, followed by minimal intervention winemaking : no added yeast, no pumping, and minimal sulfur. Each wine is aged with care: in raw concrete tanks, truncated conical wooden vats, or 400-liter barrels , depending on the cuvée.

While red Chinon is at the heart of the estate, a limited production of white Chinon stands out with the "La Côte" cuvée (100% Chenin Blanc), sourced from three exceptional terroirs and aged in oak barrels. In 2024, an additional hectare of Chenin Blanc will be planted at La Croix Boissée , confirming this commitment to exploration.

Beyond the wines, Domaine des Bernard is an invitation to discovery : a tasting room with panoramic views and a cottage made of Tuffeau stone allow you to immerse yourself in the world of Chinon, for an authentic and unforgettable experience.