Long before the metric system was adopted in France, the “lieue” was the unit of measurement of the Ancien Régime, evoking journeys, wide-open spaces, and the time required to achieve great things. It is under this name steeped in history that Domaine des 7 Lieues came into being, born of a collective effort and a fierce determination to preserve an exceptional winemaking heritage in the heart of the Cher Valley. Driven by the century-old expertise of the Bléré cooperative winery—which proudly celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025—this estate embodies the sacred union of passionate winemakers who are the architects of their own destiny.
While the vineyard as a whole spans a mosaic of 210 hectares spread across 7 distinct wine-growing communes, the “Domaine des 7 Lieues” label is the result of a meticulous plot-by-plot selection. Only the oldest vines and the best-exposed hillsides are selected to produce these exceptional vintages, ensuring controlled yields and optimal concentration of the grapes.
Here, the terroir comes into its own under the influence of the Loire Valley’s temperate climate, which is ideal for slow, gradual phenolic ripening that preserves a crystalline freshness. The estate’s geological complexity rests on a fascinating duality: on the one hand, the “Perruches,” these siliceous clay soils rich in flint that store daytime heat to release it at night, giving the wines a mineral backbone and vibrant tension; on the other hand, the “Aubuis,” deep clay-limestone soils developed on tuffeau chalk, which bring fullness, roundness, and a luscious texture on the palate.
The estate stands out for its masterful command of Côt (the Loire Valley’s Malbec) and Gamay for the reds, as well as Sauvignon Blanc for the whites. In the cellar, the philosophy remains deeply respectful of the raw material: plot-by-plot vinification, long and gentle vatting for subtle extraction, and meticulous separation of free-run juice and press juice. The result is wines of great aromatic purity (notes of black fruit and violet, refreshed with menthol for the Côt), built on silky, approachable tannins, perfectly reflecting the elegance and drinkability characteristic of the great wines of Touraine.
