Domaine des Frères: A New Chapter in Chinon Winemaking

Since 2019, the Bruneau brothers have been crafting wines in Beaumont-en-Véron, within the AOC Chinon. They had no family wine estate to inherit; in fact, their roots lie far from viticulture. Valentin’s parents owned a car garage near Chinon. After years spent in office jobs, they felt drawn to something more meaningful and hands-on. Valentin took the leap, studying Viticulture and Oenology, and went on to train with some of the most respected names in French natural winemaking, including Yvon and Jules Métras and Bernard and Matthieu Baudry.

In time, the opportunity came to acquire their own estate: nine hectares of old vines, ranging from 40 to 80 years in age, planted on varied terroirs with 70% massal selection. With it came a traditional cellar carved into the tuffeau stone, and a philosophy rooted deeply in purity, precision, and respect for nature. In 2022, Henri chose a new path in Vouvray, marking the beginning of a new chapter at the domaine.

Founders & Philosophy

Henri and Valentin Bruneau began their careers as engineers, but a growing desire for a more grounded life led them to winemaking. Their passion quickly turned into purpose. Today, Domaine des Frères is guided by a philosophy that centers on low-intervention, organic viticulture, and transparency in every step of the process. With Henri leaving in 2022, Valentin and his wife Marie have been managing the vineyard together, with the support of Samuel, a long-time team member. The story has naturally evolved into a true family adventure, with their three children often joining them in the vines or around the winery.

They farm organically and adhere to the principles of “living agriculture,” focusing on biodiversity, minimal mechanization, and soil health. Each vine parcel is harvested and vinified separately, allowing the terroir to shine through in every cuvée. As Valentin puts it, “We don’t make the wine. The vineyard does.”

The estate works exclusively with its grapes and does not purchase fruit from other growers. Their mission is simple: to create living, handcrafted, and precise wines that reflect the unique character of each plot.

Marie Bruneau

Marie Bruneau is Valentin’s wife and an essential partner in the Domaine des Frères adventure. Together, they decided to leave behind their previous lives to build something more authentic, vibrant, and family-oriented. Throughout the many relocations and learning experiences involved in establishing the estate, Marie has been a constant source of support and strength. Her dedication and commitment have been crucial in shaping Domaine des Frères into a true family project rooted in passion and shared values.

Vineyard & Terroir

Domaine des Frères spans 11 hectares in Beaumont-en-Véron, nestled in the heart of the Chinon appellation. The estate includes seven distinct parcels, six planted with Cabernet Franc and one with Chenin Blanc, each with unique soil profiles ranging from flint to yellow and white limestone, with varying levels of clay.

About 70% of the vines come from massal selection, favoring quality and genetic diversity over standardized clones. The vines are aged between 40 and 80 years, and their location on hillsides and plateaus offers natural drainage and excellent sun exposure.

This careful selection and diversity of terroirs is central to the Bruneaus’ approach. They are passionate about comparing how the same grape variety, Cabernet Franc, expresses itself differently depending on the underlying subsoil and microclimate. “It fascinates us,” they say.

Winemaking Practices

Respect for nature guides every aspect of production at Domaine des Frères. The team begins harvesting early in the morning by hand, preserving the freshness and integrity of the grapes. In the cellar, they rely solely on indigenous yeasts for fermentation, use no additives or sulfites, and avoid fining or filtration.

Each cuvée is vinified separately in concrete vats to maintain the unique identity of its parcel. Aging is gentle and precise, with no intention to manipulate or mask what the vineyard offers. Even in the vineyard, their practices are minimal. Pruning is done by hand once a year, and they use herbal teas to support plant health instead of chemical treatments.

The commitment to low-impact, expressive winemaking has earned them organic certification (AB), and several of their plots are in conversion stages to meet even higher environmental standards.

Signature Wines (Cuvées)

Domaine des Frères has already impressed sommeliers and wine lovers with its lineup of thoughtful, terroir-driven wines. Each cuvée is named after its corresponding parcel, a deliberate decision that reinforces the estate’s respect for place.

• Le Pérou: A lively, fruit-forward red with a hint of citrus, easygoing and joyful.
  
• Les Pucelles: Elegant and floral, offering a more delicate expression of Cabernet Franc.
  
• Les Moulins de Beau Puy: Structured and bold, with depth and aging potential.
  
• Les Puys: A micro-cuvée known for its clarity and brightness, an insider favorite.
  
• Les Chaineaux: The estate’s only white, made from 100% Chenin Blanc, mineral, crisp, and perfect with seafood.
  
• La Roche Bobreau: Released later than the others, this wine showcases layered complexity and depth.
  
• Les Picasses: A rare, refined bottling that epitomizes the house style: thoughtful, pure, and terroir-first.

Recognition & Growth

Despite being a young estate, Domaine des Frères has garnered attention from some of the wine world’s most respected voices. Press features have appeared in La Revue du Vin de France, France Inter, The New York Times, and through celebrated sommeliers like Pascaline Lepeltier.

Their story, of two outsiders building a world-class domaine from the ground up, resonates not just for its novelty, but because of the authenticity in every bottle. As they continue to grow and refine their craft, Domaine des Frères is redefining what the next generation of Loire Valley winemaking can be: bold, transparent, and deeply rooted in the land.