Jean-Baptiste Bonnigal and Stephane Bodet met at school where they became the firmest of friends. In 2015 they realised a long-held dream to produce wines together form the Bonnigal family vineyards located in Limeray, Amboise and Bonnigal Bodet was founded, on the Rue D’Enfer (hence the logo). The familyJean-Baptiste Bonnigal and Stephane Bodet met at school where they became the firmest of friends. In 2015 they realised a long-held dream to produce wines together form the Bonnigal family vineyards located in Limeray, Amboise and Bonnigal Bodet was founded, on the Rue D’Enfer (hence the logo). The family holdings amounted to over 80 hectares, most of which is either leased out or sold ‘en vrac’ with the best parcels kept for the domaine, and a small part sold to Francois Chidaine, Jean Baptises father-in-law. They now farm 20 hectares of Chenin Blanc, Cot and a little Sauvignon Blanc, adding some Pinot Noir, Pineau d’Aunis and Cabernet Franc to the nursery vineyards for production in 2029, all worked organically and biodynamically. 

Viticulture has always been with the health of soil and vine in mind, as well as the local flora and fauna. The influence of the locale is as important as the terroir to the individual characters of the cuvees produced. Each parcel has been selected by its strong sense of individuality, down to soil (Silex, Chalk, Tuffeau, Clay), aspect, proximity to the Loire and age of vines. The strength of this domaine is in the distinct hall-mark of terroir, the hand of the vintage and the careful, light touch of the vigneron. Fermentations for each cuvee are made according to the vintage, but for the more precocious wines, stainless steel is used, and French demi muid used in greater degrees for the more rarified parcels. 

These are wines of incredible depth, poise and balance, and as such deserve their place among the great estates of the Loire valley.