DOMAINE LE CAPITAINE
Vouvray, France
Only a mile from the city of Tours the Domaine’s 28 hectares of vineyards rise from the northern banks of the Loire river. Alain Le Capitaine started the Domaine in 1988 and was joined in 1995 by his brother Christophe. Now Alain’s son Florian has entered the fray, and together they grow some of the finest Chenin Blanc in Vouvray.
The river is a moderating influence on the vines, aided by the numerous valleys running perpendicular. The stony slopes have the classic ‘tuffeau,’ the regional chalky limestone that lends itself to the greatness of so much white wine in the Loire. There are also threads of ‘aubuis’ or clay-limestone that gives power to the sweet wines. The wines are made in a modern winery, but rest and age in the beautiful 11th century ‘tuffeau’ cellars.
Wines
Le Capitaine Vouvray Demi-Sec ‘Les Aumones’
Le Capitaine Vouvray Methode Traditionelle Brut