Domaine des Terres d'ocres

Domaine des Terres d'Ocres is a winery located in the heart of the Loire Valley, in the AOP Saint-Pourçain appellation area, one of the oldest historic vineyards in central France. The Domaine des Terres d'Ocres is part of a drive to enhance the quality of this still confidential Loire appellation, recognized for the singularity of its grape varieties, the diversity of its soils and the finesse of its expressions. The estate's project is based on a precise reading of the terroir, viticulture that respects natural balances, and winemaking aimed above all at the legibility and coherence of the wines.

The AOP Saint-Pourçain occupies a special geographical position in the Loire vineyards, on the border between northern and southern influences. This situation gives the wines of Domaine des Terres d'Ocres a distinct profile, combining freshness, structure and controlled ripeness. The vineyards are planted on slopes with varied exposures, enabling fine adaptation of grape varieties to soil and climate conditions. The soils, mostly composed of clay, limestone and sandy formations rich in iron oxides, locally feature ochre hues that have inspired the identity of the Domaine des Terres d'Ocres.

Saint-Pourçain's climate is semi-continental with a Loire influence. Winters can be harsh, springs sometimes early, and summers generally moderate, with thermal amplitudes favorable to preserving the grapes' natural acidity. These climatic conditions require rigorous vineyard management. At Domaine des Terres d'Ocres, vine management aims to secure ripeness while maintaining a natural balance between alcohol, acidity and aromatic expression, a fundamental element of the Loire style.

Viticulture at Domaine des Terres d'Ocres is based on clearly established organic principles. The estate favors an agronomic approach based on soil observation, respect for biodiversity and maximum limitation of inputs. Synthetic treatments are excluded, chemical herbicides are banned, and tillage is favored to maintain an active microbial life. This method aims to strengthen the resilience of the vines in the face of climatic hazards and promote a more precise expression of terroir in Domaine des Terres d'Ocres wines.

The Domaine des Terres d'Ocres grape varieties faithfully reflect the identity of the AOP Saint-Pourçain, which allows for an original blend of Loire and Burgundy grape varieties. Gamay plays a central role in the red cuvées, bringing freshness, fruit and suppleness. It is complemented by pinot noir, which contributes structure, tannic finesse and ageing potential. For white wines, Chardonnay and Tressallier are the mainstays of production. Tressallier, Saint-Pourçain's emblematic indigenous grape variety, plays a decisive role in the identity of the Domaine des Terres d'Ocres, thanks to its lively, upright and mineral profile.

Yield management at Domaine des Terres d'Ocres is part of a strict qualitative logic. Loads per hectare are deliberately limited to encourage natural grape concentration and homogeneous ripeness. Green harvesting, debudding and leaf thinning are carried out with precision to adapt the vines to the conditions of the vintage. This viticultural rigor is a fundamental element in the consistent quality of Domaine des Terres d'Ocres wines.

The harvest is carried out according to the physiological ripeness of the grapes, with particular attention paid to sugar-acidity balance and phenolic ripeness. At Domaine des Terres d'Ocres, harvest decisions are based on regular berry tastings, supplemented by analysis when necessary. This approach avoids standardization and allows us to adapt technical choices to the specificities of each plot.

Winemaking at Domaine des Terres d'Ocres favors measured intervention. Fermentations are generally carried out using indigenous yeasts, to preserve the natural expression of the grape and terroir. Vinification is carried out at controlled temperatures, with moderate extractions for the reds, aimed at obtaining fine, integrated tannins. The Domaine des Terres d'Ocres seeks above all to produce wines that are balanced, precise and true to their origins, rather than demonstrative or excessively extracted profiles.

The aging of Domaine des Terres d'Ocres wines is designed as a refining phase, not a transformation phase. The containers used are mainly old or lightly marked vats and barrels, so as not to mask the varietal and territorial identity of the wines. This approach preserves a clear reading of the grape varieties and soils, while providing the stability and complexity necessary for proper evolution in the bottle.

The red wines of Domaine des Terres d'Ocres are distinguished by their freshness, precise fruitiness and balanced structure. Expressions of gamay and pinot noir offer digestible profiles, with supple tannins and a clean finish. The white wines, made from chardonnay and tressallier, have a taut texture, discreet aromas of citrus, white fruits and sometimes marked mineral notes, characteristic of AOP Saint-Pourçain. This taste signature gives Domaine des Terres d'Ocres wines great versatility at the table.

From a gastronomic standpoint, wines from Domaine des Terres d'Ocres naturally go well with terroir cuisine, but also with more contemporary dishes. Red wines go well with white meats, charcuterie, roast poultry or vegetarian dishes. Whites can be enjoyed alongside river fish, seafood, goat's cheese or vegetable-based recipes. This adaptability reinforces the appeal of Domaine des Terres d'Ocres with wine merchants and restaurateurs.