Nicolas Grosbois

Panzoult, Loire Valley

The Grosbois family vineyard is located predominantly at “Le Pressoir” in Panzoult in the Chinon appellation in the heart of the Loire Valley. An ancient compound of old micro Chateau style buildings, the family has over 600 years of history at this location. The domaine’s 9 hectares of vines are predominantly planted in the deep clay loam soil over limestone around Le Pressoir, as well as parcels on hand and gravel closer to the river.

Nicolas Grosbois came back to the vineyard in 2008 to takeover the domaine after experience as a ‘flying winemaker’ in Southern France, Australia, New Zealand, United States, and Chile. His brother Sylvian has also recently returned from South America to join Nicolas and manage the vineyards of the domaine.

The vines have been farmed organically for some time and are now in conversion to biodynamics. Cover crops and even vegetables are sewn in the mid row, the latter providing much of the food for the harvest workers when they arrive. Winemaking is simple, in large format cement vat or stainless steel for fermentation and now aging. Since 2015 Nicolas has moved away from oak in favour of freshness.

Apart from the kooky creative nature of the two brothers, the wines they create are a fascinating expression of Chinon, which vary significantly with soil and site. These are abundant Cabernet Francs with deep minerality and fine balanced tannins. Truly sophisticated cool climate reds.