Les Quatre Piliers

france • loire valley

A second generation winemaker is often presented two paths: the continuance of tradition, or a strict deviation altogether. In the wine world, we have seen numerous winemakers' efforts to continue their family's work, to live up to the name of their elders; yet, it takes a special sort to blend both of those aforementioned paths to create what Valentin Desloges has: a singular, expressive and profound winery that expresses Touraine better than perhaps any prior.

The son of a Touraine winemaker, Valentin performed his studies in Bordeaux and got his first hands-on experience outside of the Loire in New Zealand. Returning back to France, Valentin spent time in Burgundy, where he was able to work alongside some of the top white winemakers we know and love – Raphael Coche and Paul Pillot – with a stint with Vincent Sipp in Alsace (Domaine Agapé) to cap off his travels.

Years of creating a mental amalgam of his experiences led Valentin to his ultimate path; it was not taking the helm at his father's domaine, but the creation of his own: Domaine des Quatre Piliers. Formed by a sum of ten hectares between Noyers and Saint-Aignan, Valentin converted the estate to organic viticulture, first focusing all of his energy into the health of his vines.

With just under 10 hectares split into 15 different small parcels, about half of the vineyards are planted to Sauvignon Blanc on clay and limestone soils. Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Pineau d'Aunis and Côt (Malbec) making up the rest. The Cher river acts as a significant temperature regulator, with close proximity to the vines. There is a large area of tuffeau that has been dug out, creating mineral equilibrium and serving as a natural ventilation system for the vineyard.

https://www.lesquatrepiliers.com/en