Valentin Desloges, 28, son of a Touraine winemaker, returns to his native Cher Valley after training with some of France’s most renowned domaines — from Alsace to Meursault including a formative spell at the legendary Domaine Coche-Dury. At the head of Domaine des Quatre Piliers, he crafts precise, expressive wines shaped by passion, experience, and a deep respect for his terroir. Harvesting is done entirely by hand to ensure gentle handling and preserve the fruit’s integrity. The semi-gravity-fed cellar, carved into the tuffeau caves of Domaine des Quatre Piliers, offers a naturally cool environment ideal for winemaking. Fermentations start spontaneously with indigenous yeasts. Cabernet Franc and Côt are fully destemmed and macerated for 20 and 30 days, respectively. Pinot Noir includes 20% whole clusters and undergoes a 9-day maceration. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation in barrels — sourced from Bordeaux grands crus for Cabernet Franc and Côt, and from Burgundy for Pinot Noir. Extended aging refines the tannins and enhances finesse. The white wines ferment exclusively in oak, with varying amounts of new wood depending on the cuvée. Extended lees aging lends additional depth and structure, crafting white wines with great aging potential. With his meticulous approach, deep respect for terroir, and quiet determination, Valentin Desloges is fast emerging as one of the hidden gems of the Loire Valley.
In comparison to previous vintages, the 2024 Chapitre I is surprisingly exotic, opening with aromas of confit citrus, white flowers and ripe orchard fruits. Medium- to full-bodied, precise and crystalline, it’s pure and seamless, with a tensile profile and a layered mid-palate framed by gastronomic bitterness, concluding with an ethereal finish. Malolactic fermentation was completed. Wine Advocate 92
