Domaine Le Capitaine, Vouvray

Brothers Alain and Christophe Le Capitaine have built their small, Loire Valley estate from the ground up. In 1987, Alain began by planting his own vines on the family property and farmed rented parcels while working for other wineries throughout AOC Vouvray. Christophe joined Alain in 1998 and Christophe’s son, Florian, came on board in 2013. The three belong to growing trend of curious and open-minded vignerons who are quick to think beyond convention to create flavorful, complex and balanced Chenin Blancs—from still to sparkling, dry to sweet.

The Le Capitaines farm 28 hectares of vineyards, including three of their own, in the chalky tuffeau and silica soils around the village of Rochecorbon on the right bank of the Loire River. Four of their 28 hectares have been certified in organic farming since 2012. The Le Capitaines believe in temperature-controlled vinifications by parcel in stainless steel, blocking malolactic fermentation to retain freshness. They let the wines settle and age on fine lees for six to 12 months, depending on the cuvee. Ranging from floral and mineral to rich and cornucopian, their cuvees offer an approachable and instant pleasure.