Marc Plouzeau
pioneer in organic farming in Chinon

On the Left Bank of Chinon, native land of François Rabelais, extends a wine landscape preserved for several centuries. Recognized as a great historical terroir at the birth of the Chinon appellation, he asks only to reveal his extraordinary potential and to discover his hidden treasures. On these still wild hills interspersed with wood, the vines look to the south and enjoy a very favorable micro climate.

Thanks to the will of 2 generations, the Château de la Bonnelière has regained its nobility and its original vocation – Wine. Our vineyard which extends over more than 30 ha is conducted in organic farming. It is exclusively located on the communes of the Left Bank of Chinon which are full of original terroirs. We seek from them a unique expression on each of our cuvées.

  1. 1846

    The Plouzeau family becomes owner of Château de la Bonnelière.

  2. 1980

    Pierre Plouzeau bought the property and replanted the vineyard.

  3. 1989

    Construction of the winery and wine renaissance of Château de la Bonnelière after 70 years of absence.

  4. 1999

    Resumption of the Château de la Bonnelière by Marc Plouzeau who converted him into Bio.

  5. 2014

    Development of the vineyard on the Left Bank by the acquisition of the Domaine de La Croix Marie.

the soils and the plots

My wines come from well identified soils that give the wine all the typicity of the soil.

The Argilo-Calcalre are the terroirs that I vinify in order to have a rich wine with fine and fresh tannins. The limestone in the basement allows the vines to find its balance through a water reserve in it.

Agile flints give more solar wines. Flints reflect the light during the day and restore the heat at night. It is a privileged terroir for the wines of structure and of guard.

The gravel brings to the vines the elements it needs. the tannins are round and the fruity aromas. It is a wine that will be appreciated on youth.

Pebble ground

Alluvial soils rich in trace elements that give fruity and juicy grapes. The wine produced is all round and will appreciate on his youth. Our Chinon Les Galets is a beautiful representation.

Clay-limestone soil

Under the surface clays lies the limestone layer where the root system of the vines succeeds in developing. The wines produced are distinguished by powerful and fine tannins carried by a beautiful aromatic freshness. The Clos de la Bonnelière is a reference.

Flint clay floor

These soils give solar wines. Flints reflect the light during the day and restore the heat at night. These parcels favor wines of structure and guard such as Chinon Chapelle.