History
Excavated from the 10th century onwards beneath the Chinon fortress, these cellars are a unique place where the spirit of Rabelais still resonates. The mill tower (located at the westernmost point of the Fort du Coudray) overlooks the entrance. In the middle, there are two remarkable wells that directly connect these cellars to the fortress. The first is a stone quarrying shaft, while the second is a water well with a total depth of 96 metres!
Ageing
It is in this magical setting that the wines slowly mature in peace, benefiting from perfect humidity conditions and a constant temperature of 12°C (54°F).
The great cuvées of Château de la Bonnelière are aged here in 900-liter (demi-muids) barrels for 12 to 36 months.
Tasting
In this extraordinary setting, where wine truly comes into its own, visitors can taste all of the estate’s cuvées. We will tell you about the history of these cellars, how they are used, and their secrets.