Portraits of winemakers

DOMAINE DUVAL-VOISIN, FROM MARKET GARDENER TO WINEGROWER AND NURSERYMAN

Domaine Duval-Voisin: From Market Gardener to Vigneron and Vineyard Nursery

The Domaine Duval-Voisin stands out because it not only cultivates vines for its own wine production but also supplies young vines to numerous winemakers through Laurent Voisin, a renowned vine nursery operator. The domain has developed its expertise in viticulture through a deep connection with nature and plant cultivation. Located in the AOC Bourgueil, the estate also leverages its extensive knowledge of vines by cultivating fourteen hectares for the production of red and rosé wines. Today, we take you to the right bank of the Loire, between Tours and Angers, to visit Laurent and Florence Voisin.

The History of the Estate

The story of Domaine Duval-Voisin is primarily a family tale. Four generations ago, Albert Duval managed two hectares of vines alongside market gardening and goat farming. From this small, nature-focused enterprise, the estate evolved through successive generations into what it is today. In 1965, Jean-Paul Duval took over the estate and expanded the vineyard. This expansion was marked in the 1980s when he began grafting vine plants and traveled to various regions. The estate gradually grew, both in vineyards and nursery operations. Laurent Voisin took over the management of the estate entirely in 2001 and was joined by his sister Florence Voisin in 2004. The estate then became known as Duval-Voisin. The vineyard is now divided between 14 hectares of AOC Bourgueil red and rosé and the nursery operation, which produces 550,000 grafted plants per year.

And the story doesn't end there! Bastien, who has completed his BAC PRO and BTS in viticulture and oenology, will join in a few years to take over the reins.

The Estate’s Wines

This unique expertise and the close connection with nature that it entails are deeply intertwined with the estate's philosophy. Laurent and Florence cultivate their vineyard with respect for the environment and are certified Haute Valeur Environnementale. As independent winemakers, they also advocate for the autonomy of the winemaking profession and its economic development. The estate’s bottles have become easily recognizable since the 2016 vintage. Oval and diagonal, they have become the trademark of their wines.

Behind these labels is the iconic cuvée of the 2016 Black Frost, where 80% of the vines were frozen. Since 2017, this label has featured all their cuvées, from the prestige cuvée to AOC Bourgueil, including their semi-dry rosé and Touraine Mousseux rosé.

All these wines are made from Cabernet Franc, which thrives particularly well in the Loire Valley.

We especially enjoyed the famous 2016 Black Frost Cuvée. Its nose presents surprising notes of tangy berries, blueberry, and currant. It is a fruity, light, and delicious wine with a beautiful length, which we highly recommend.