Domaine Jean Yves Millaire

Estate Overview

Domaine Jean-Yves Millaire is located in Fronsac, in the Gironde department. It is owned by Jean-Yves and Christine Millaire.

Technical management is overseen by Jérémy Duresse, with Julien Bell serving as consulting oenologist.

History and Philosophy

The estate's history began in 1950, when Jean-Yves Millaire's grandfather acquired six hectares of vines, originally situated in Saint-Michel de Fronsac and Fronsac.

Jean-Yves Millaire took over the vineyard in January 1998, and was joined by his wife Christine in 2005.

The estate is committed to environmentally friendly practices, converting to organic viticulture in 2006, followed by a transition to biodynamics in 2009. This approach aims to enhance the natural balance of both vine and soil, notably through the application of biodynamic preparations scheduled according to the lunar and planetary calendar to stimulate soil biological activity and support vine vitality.

Appellations

Domaine Jean-Yves Millaire produces wines under the Fronsac, Canon Fronsac, and Bordeaux appellations.

Practical Information

Address: 21, Lamarche, 33126 Fronsac

Telephone: 05 57 24 94 99

Email: bureau@vins-millaire.fr

The tasting cellar is open Monday to Saturday, from 09:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 18:30. Direct cellar-door sales and mail-order services are available.

Guided visits and tastings are available by appointment. Gift vouchers are on offer, including options for tours and tastings with or without an overnight stay at the property.

The estate also provides on-site accommodation.

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The Vineyard (Terroir)

The vineyard spans a planted area of 36.6 hectares, comprising 31.4 hectares of red grape varieties and 5.2 hectares of white grape varieties. The average age of the vines is 35 years. The plots are set on hillsides overlooking the Isle and Dordogne rivers. Soil management is designed to encourage deep rooting and limit erosion. Cover crops and grass management are used to foster biodiversity, soil fertility, and the natural regulation of biological balances. Harvesting is carried out both by hand and by machine.

Soil types include Asteria limestone (calcaires à astéries) on the plateau and Fronsadais molasse (clay-limestone).

The red grape varieties comprise: Merlot (58%), Cabernet franc (20%), Marselan (8%), Petit Verdot (7%), Mancin des palus (2%), Malbec (2%), Cinsault (2%), Castets (2%), and Manseng noir (1%).

The white grape varieties consist of: Chenin (32%), Sauvignon gris (22%), Sauvignon blanc (18%), Riesling (16%), Colombard (7%), and Petit Manseng (7%).

Since 1998, the vineyard has undergone significant development, including the introduction of new grape varieties, replanting programmes, drainage work, and replacement of dead vines. Newly planted varieties include Jurançon noir, Petit Manseng, Colombard, Riesling, and Chenin, with some established via top-grafted massal selection.

Flagship Cuvées

The estate offers several ranges of cuvées: Les Gourmandises, Les Terroirs, Les Pépites, and Les Pétillants.

Among the white wines, the Loupiot Blanc cuvée is made from Sauvignon blanc, Sauvignon gris, Colombard, and Petit Manseng. The Astéries cuvée is a single-varietal Chenin, and the Étincelle cuvée is produced from Petit Manseng.

Among the red wines, the Volcelest cuvée is a blend of Merlot (60%) and Cabernet franc (40%). The Souviens-Toi cuvée is crafted from heritage grape varieties such as Castets, Mancin, Jurançon noir, Mérille, Alicante, Malbec, and Cabernet franc.

Vinification and Ageing

The wines are aged in a variety of vessels, including large oak vats (foudres), amphorae, and oak barrels (barriques).