Domaine aux Moines
Domaine aux Moines rises proudly on the summit of the Roche aux Moines hillside, on the right bank of the Loire River, in the charming village of Savennières, just south of Angers. The 12-hectare vineyard entirely surrounds the estate’s historic house, part of it enclosed within a walled park filled with trees and fruit-bearing plants.
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A Domaine at the Heart of the Loire
Domaine aux Moines rises proudly on the summit of the Roche aux Moines hillside, on the right bank of the Loire River, in the charming village of Savennières, just south of Angers. The 12-hectare vineyard entirely surrounds the estate’s historic house, part of it enclosed within a walled park filled with trees and fruit-bearing plants. Agroforestry plays a central role here: nature is not just scenery, but an integral part of the vineyard ecosystem.
A History Rooted in the Centuries
The story of Domaine aux Moines dates back to the 17th century, when the monks of the Saint-Nicolas abbey planted vines on this land. The Roche aux Moines site was given to the monks as early as 1285, and it has remained a spiritual and agricultural landmark ever since. In 1981, Monique Laroche took over the estate and has since cultivated the vines with unwavering dedication. Today, she works hand in hand with her daughter Tessa, representing a new generation of women winemakers committed to respectful, thoughtful viticulture.
An Exceptional Terroir
Overlooking the Loire from the highest point of the Savennières-Roche aux Moines appellation, the estate enjoys an ideal south/southwest exposure. The vineyard is planted exclusively with Chenin Blanc, the only grape variety allowed in the appellation. The soils consist of purple-hued schist, green-grey schist, and rhyolite, which retain daytime heat and release it at night. The unique microclimate, shaped by the Loire’s breezes and the diversity of exposures, creates ideal conditions for the production of structured, mineral, age-worthy dry white wines.
Thoughtful and Sustainable Viticulture
At Domaine aux Moines, the vineyard is certified organic and follows biodynamic principles. Nothing is done systematically—each action is guided by close observation of the soil, the vines, and surrounding biodiversity. Great care is taken to maintain soil life and vineyard health, and yields are kept deliberately low, around 30 hectoliters per hectare. Harvesting is done by hand, often with multiple passes through the vines to select only the healthiest grapes. The entire approach aims to preserve the vineyard’s vitality and ensure the long-term sustainability of the estate.
Natural, Low-Intervention Winemaking
The cellar philosophy mirrors the vineyard work: minimal intervention to preserve the expression of the fruit and terroir. Grapes are gently pressed in a pneumatic press. The must rests in stainless steel tanks before being transferred to barrels or large foudres for spontaneous fermentation. Depending on the vintage, the wines are aged 12 to 18 months in used oak, allowing them to evolve gracefully without the dominance of wood. Sulphur is used sparingly, only in the necessary doses to stabilize the wine. Bottling is followed by six months of resting before release, ensuring the wines reach optimal balance.
Roche aux Moines: A Wine of Distinction
The estate’s flagship wine, Savennières-Roche aux Moines, embodies the singularity of this terroir. It opens with expressive aromas of white flowers, pear, apricot, and ripe lemon, often developing into honeyed and candied fruit notes with age. On the palate, the wine is both generous and taut, its structure lifted by precise acidity. A fine, saline bitterness carries through the long finish, leaving a powerful mineral impression—what connoisseurs call a true “rock juice.” Each vintage displays remarkable clarity, depth, and emotion.
Built to Age Gracefully
These wines are built to last. Their fine structure and energetic balance allow them to develop beautifully over decades. With time, they reveal complex aromas of quince, beeswax, honey, and even white truffle. Yet they always retain their tension and elegance. Many vintages reach their peak after 20 to 30 years, a testament to the nobility of this Loire Valley terroir.
The Touch of a Woman’s Hand
Tessa Laroche now leads the domaine with vision and precision. Her experience in Champagne at Deutz, in Provence, and in Bourgueil brings depth to her work. Under her guidance, the wines gain even greater finesse, vibrancy, and length. Alongside fellow winemakers like Virginie Joly and Évelyne de Pontbriand, Tessa is part of a new wave of women transforming the image and quality of Savennières with passion and resolve.
Inspired Food Pairings
Savennières-Roche aux Moines is a wine made for the table. It pairs beautifully with refined dishes: sole with green asparagus highlights its freshness; seared scallops in citrus butter enhance its texture; roast chicken glazed with honey draws out its minerality. It also complements aged cheeses such as Comté, Salers, or matured goat cheeses, and can elevate regional specialties like a classic Ligérienne pochouse. Its versatility and vibrant profile make it a natural companion to gourmet cuisine.
A Domaine in Constant Renewal
Domaine aux Moines continues to evolve with care. New vine plantings are made gradually, with great attention to preserving the estate’s harmony. Every choice—rootstocks, grape selections, row orientation—is made with a long-term vision. Agroforestry, already established around the estate’s walled gardens, is expanding throughout the vineyard to support biodiversity, protect the soil, and enhance the microclimate. The estate remains a place where tradition and innovation work hand in hand.
A Loire Benchmark
Today, Domaine aux Moines stands as a benchmark in the Savennières-Roche aux Moines appellation. Its wines are praised for their purity, complexity, and depth, earning top ratings such as 96/100 from Bettane+Desseauve. But beyond the accolades, what sets this domaine apart is its soul: a singular place, shaped by nature, stewarded with care, and brought to life through the art of wine.