Philippine Delachaux
France
Philippine's Wines
- France
- 2Â wines
- 1Â style
The French tractor girl proving Cabernet Franc is more than just a blending grape
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Although used in classic Bordeaux blends, Cab Franc can make delicious wines in its own right. So when her parents bought the Domaine des Raguenières back in 2012, Philippine Delachaux began her mission to put the Loire’s most popular red grape back on its pedestal.
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Her Cab Francs are authentic, terroir-driven wines from grapes grown exclusively in their own vineyards in the communes of Benais, Restigné and Ingrande de Touraine (the ‘garden of France’), in the heart of the Loire Valley - 18 hectares of Cabernet Franc which she transforms into delicious juicy red drops of French loveliness.
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To Philippine winemaking isn’t a job, it’s her passion. “For me every day waking up and going to work is a real pleasure, because I don’t have a typical day. I might be making wine, doing paperwork, or driving tractors in the vineyards. It keeps me humble. I like the authenticity of creating terroir wines which are unique to your little plot of land.”
Vineyard Location
Philippine Delachaux's Story
Philippine's Story
My name is Philippine, I am 35 years old. I have been making wine for 10 years, since 2013. But before making wine, I worked as a saleswoman (not in wine).
When my parents bought the Domaine in 2012, they asked me if I wanted to work in the vineyard, the winemaking cellar and develop sales. I worked and learned with the team in the vineyard, in the winery and after a few years I became a winegrower.
The biggest challenge for me was learning how to make wine, I didn't go to school to learn how to make wine, I learned on the job. The other challenge was to be accepted by my colleagues.
My parents are very important, every day they advise me. And without my team it’s very difficult to do everything alone, they are very important to me, it’s like a second family
I realised that winemaking is my passion when going to work was a real pleasure. When it's easy to wake up to work. Every day I'm happy to work. For me it's not a job it's a passion
My dream is to one day be able to pass on my knowledge and my passion to my children or nephews.
I don’t have a typical day, it’s what I like in my job. One day I can sell wine to individual customers, do tractor work in the vineyard, or do administrative paperwork.
The craziest thing I’ve ever done is spend whole nights outside in the cold to protect the vines from frost in order to ensure the harvest.
And my most memorable moment was in 2016, the harvest was very low because of the spring frost, and it was a particular year to make wine, small volume but good quality and it was very frustrating.
My philosophy in winemaking is based around terroir, finesse, authenticity. When you work with nature you have to be passionate and humble. Nature has so much to offer us.
I choose to work with Naked Wines Because I would like my wines to be discovered by English people. I met Ray O’Connor in Prowein and the concept appealed to me.
I think Naked Wines can help me develop my notoriety in the United Kingdom. And why not in other countries.
I hope you enjoyed the tasting of my wine and one day if you come to France I hope you visit me in the Domaine des Raguenières in the Loire Valley.
