Château Coudray‑Montpensier, located in the Chinon appellation at the heart of the Loire Valley, is composed of old vines and parcels planted just over ten years ago, covering 34 hectares. Each plot is cultivated with meticulous care,  respecting the geological identity of the soil. The clay‑limestone plateaus produce aromatic, powerful and structured wines, while the sandy plains yield softer and fruitier cuvées.
The estate’s history dates back to the 11th century (1090), when the lords of Coudray were vassals of the Châtellenie of Montsoreau, which retained ownership for over two centuries. The first official record explicitly mentioning the Château appears in 1242, naming Jean de Miremande as its owner. Over the centuries, many notable families followed – Sainte Maure, Anjou, Bournan, Poyet, Chauvelin – until the present Feray family.

Loire Valley Vintage 2022: A cool and rainy winter replenished water reserves, providing a solid foundation for a dry and sunny spring. 2022 — along with 2018 and 2020 — was one of only three frost‑free vintages in the past eight years. Harvest took place two weeks earlier than usual. September’s contrasting weather — a hot, dry spell followed by rainfall — proved beneficial for the final ripening of the grapes.

Winemaking

Plots are vinified separately in small stainless‑steel vats. After harvest, grapes are destemmed and placed in tanks protected by a CO₂ atmosphere. Temperature is kept below 10 °C to prevent immediate fermentation and allow 5–7 days of pre‑fermentation maceration, enhancing aroma extraction and soft tannins. Alcoholic fermentation then begins at 27–29 °C. After fermentation, the wine remains on the skins for 5–12 days depending on tasting. Each vat is evaluated to determine which lots have sufficient concentration to be aged in barrel. The wine is transferred to oak barrels where malolactic fermentation takes place. Racked twice and bottled late 2020. 100% of the cuvée was aged in new or young oak barrels before blending.

Tasting notes

Attractive cherry‑red colour. Good density of fruit tannins. Dried fruit, spice and perfumed blackberry. Soft tannins, full body and long finish.

Drink now through 2030.

Food pairing

Game and red meat, сheese. Excellent with meat in wine sauce.

Serve at 14°C.