Bruno Rochard
Rablay-sur-Layon, Loire

Coming from a family of farmers, Bruno was always going to take over the vast holdings of Domaine de Mirebeau in Anjou. However, recognizing the benefits of downsizing, he now farms just 6 hectares, giving him time to manage the land using organic and biodynamic methods. A calm and thoughtful man, Bruno spends as much time as possible in the vines and over the past decade he has earned a stellar reputation as one of the most meticulous farmers in the region.

Situated on the outskirts of the famed Rablay-sur-Layon, the domaine features varying soils from one end of the estate to the other sitting mostly on shale and schist bedrocks. Clay and limestone are also present, making up a diverse terroir that Bruno believes enhances the wines' complexity and character. Half his vineyards are planted with Chenin Blanc, while the other half are almost equally divided between Cabernet Franc and Grolleau, with some vines reaching up to 100 years old.

In the cellar, Bruno adopts a hands-off approach, mostly vinifying by parcel and variety, always bottling according to the lunar calendar and perferring both stainless steel and small old barrels for ageing. His winemaking style is holistic and thoughtfully considered, leading to wines with impressive focus and balance. His Chenin Blancs are beautifully perfumed with well-rounded acidity, while his reds have that magic combination of both approachability and complexity. Each bottling showcases Bruno’s diverse talent for producing intriguing, precise, and exceptionally well-crafted wines, vintage after vintage.